
Glass . 
Book. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



]VLVP OF 



COUWTY 



PENNSYLVAI^^IA 




THE 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY, 



PENNSYLVANIA, 



from Its first Settlement. 



BY 



Laura G. Sanford. 



flew an^ BnlargeC) BMtton. 




First Seal of Erie County, Made in 



PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 
1894. 









\ 



Copyrighted by J. B. Lippincott & Co., in 1861, 
and by Laura G. Sanford, in 1894. 



l- loH'S^ 



PREFACE. 

If in every State we had those who were unprejudiced and 
truth-loving to examine and test tlie supposed history of their 
respective localities, and to record the testimony of the aged, 
" before they go hence and be no more," truth would be vindi- 
cated, much that is interesting rescued from oblivion, and a 
correct and minute history of our country secured. 

For the encouragement of those attempting this duty, Sal- 
lust says: "Among the different ways of employing one's 
abilities, that of writing history is of eminent use ; but I shall 
say nothing of its excellence, because many have already 
shown it, and lest I should be charged with vanity for ex- 
tolling what I am myself engaged in." 

Grateful acknowledgments are due to the many friends who 
have contributed to the History of Erie County by the use of 
their libraries, by the loan of valuable unedited manuscripts, 
and by their pertinent suggestions. Of these are Dr. U. Par- 
sons, of Providence, Rhode Island ; Madams William A. 
Brown, Chas, Pollock, J. C. Reid, J. H. Bliss, H. Russel, 
J. Dickson, and Miss I. Williams ; Gen. C. M. Reed, Capt. W. 
W. Dobbins, William Nicholson, G. J. Ball, J. Sill, J. B. 
Johnson, B. B. Vincent, J. C. Spencer, T. G. Colt, A. H. 
Caughey, and G. W. Starr, Esqs.; Rev. Wm. M. Blackburn, 
and Rev. I. St. John, of Erie ; Rev. S. M. Eaton, Franklin ; 
Mr. I. Eaton, Fairview ; Miss H. R. Cutler and Mr. R. Bar- 
nett, Girard ; Miss Sarah Vincent and Mrs. McGill, Water- 
ford ; Rev. A. H. Carrier and Wm. E. Marvin, Esq., North- 
east ; and Mrs. M. Courtright, New York. 

In this new edition we have given in the form of a supple- 
ment events of latter years only of main importance, the want 
of space being our plea for not giving much that is worthy of 
record. 

The Editors of the county are entitled to many thanks for 
their files, and for favorable mention of the work. 



CATALOGUE OF WORKS CONSULTED. 

American State Papers ; American Archives ; Proud's His- 
tory of Pennsylvania ; Colonial History of New York ; Docu- 
mentary History of New York ; Pennsylvania Colonial 
Records ; Pennsylvania Archives ; Western Annals ; History 
of Western Pennsylvania ; Thatcher's Lives of the Indians ; 
Naval Monument ; Hennepin's Discoveries in America ; 
Historical Collections of Pennsylvania ; Shea's Discovery of 
the Mississippi ; Shea's Jesuit Missions ; Annals of America, 
by Dr. Holmes ; Schoolcraft's Indian Tribes ; Conspiracy of 
Pontiac ; Niles's Register ; Burgess's Account of Perry's 
Victory ; McKenzie's Life of Perry ; Dawson's American 
Battles ; Dr. Parson's Discourse ; Calvert's Oration ; Battle of 
Lake Erie Monumental Association ; Bancroft's United 
States ; Irving's Life of Washington ; Stone's Life of Brandt ; 
Elements of History, by J, E. Worcester ; Historical Account 
of Erie County, by Dr. W. M. Wood ; Dwight's Travels ; 
Goodrich's History of the United States ; Smith's Laws of 
Pennsylvania ; Howe's Historical Collections of the West ; 
State Geologist's Report ; Poor's History of Railroads ; Files 
of the Mirror, Erie ; Erie Gazette ; Erie Observer ; Girard 
Republican ; Encyclopedia Americana ; Allegheny Magazine ; 
Pennsylvania Gazetteer, by Thos. F. Gordon ; Pennsylvania 
State Book, by Burrows ; Old Fort Le Boeuf, by a Waterford- 
ian ; Inauguration of the Perry Statue, Cleveland ; History of 
the Railroad War, by Wilson Laird, Esq.; Buffalo Express; 
Buffalo Commercial ; History of Erie County, published in 
Chicago, 1884, Warner, Beers & Co. ; Illustrated History of 
Pennsylvania, by W. H. Egle, M.D. ; Old Portage Road, by 
H. C. Taylor, M.D. ; Ship-yard of the Griffon, by C. K. Rem- 
ington. 



COMPLIMENTARY NOTICES. 

The following note from the Hon. Geo. Bancroft explains itself, 
and is indirectly a flattering tribute to the worth of the book from 
the very highest source : 

" New York, February 3d, 1862. 

" . . . Your charming work on Erie County has so much 
merit, that I cannot bear to lie under your misapprehension of my 
judgment on a point, which has cost me a good deal of research. 
If you turn to page 163 of Vol. III., in the copy I sent to Erie, or 
any edition since 1853, you will find that I put the first ship yard 
at the 'Mouth of the Cayaga Creek.' It cost me a world of 
trouble to find the authorities to correct my mistake, and I am 
sorry you charged upon me the sins of my earlier years, instead of 
the revised opinion of mature stiidy. 

" Very truly yours, 

" Geo. Bancroft." 

"The History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, by Laura G. San- 
ford is in manibus. It is an interesting book to any one, being full 
of Indian traditions, antiquarian gossip, and facts relating to co- 
temporary American heroes, all connected together in a very 
agreeable style. To a resident of Erie County, Ave think the Avork 
invaluable, comprising as it does the history of places and persons, 
forming subjects of his own daily conversation and observation. 
The tremendous * War of the Gauges " has not received as much 
attention from the fair historian as we could wish. She passes it 
with a bare mention. Possibly a lady could not do justice to an 
event which above all others requires a manly pen to portray." 

From Erie Gazette. 

" ' History of Erie County.' This is the title of a neatly printed 
and handsomely bound volume, just issued from the press of J. B. 
Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia, for a copy of which we are in- 
debted to the authoress, Miss Laura G. Sanford, of our city. It 
consists of 347 pages, and embodies much interesting and valuable 



Vi COMPLIMENTARY NOTICES. 

information relative to the County, from an early date to the 
present time. Biographical notices of well-known citizens form a 
prominent feature — citizens like Seth Reed, R. S. Reed, P. S. V. 
Hamot, Hon. Thos. H. Sill, Giles Sanford, Judah Colt, Rev. Robert 
Reid, Daniel Dobbins, and Hon. John Galbraith, accompanied in 
several cases by finely executed steel engraved likenesses. The 
work bears marks of careful preparation, and is doubtless strictly 
correct in its statements of material facts and events. We regard 
it as quite creditable to the authoress and the publishers, and cor- 
dially recommend it to all who would possess a reliable ' History 
of Erie County.' It is thus spoken of by a gentleman long and 
favorably known here : 

" Providence, R. I., October 8, 1860, 
" It has been my privilege to be allowed the perusal of many of 
the sheets of INIiss Sanford's History of Erie in manuscript, and I 
cordially bear testimony to its great value as embodying about all 
the material facts relating to that frontier city that such a work 
should contain, sought out with great industry, and carefully and 
candidly stated. 

"Usher Parsons." 

From Providence {Rhode Island) Daily Journal. 

" This is a valuable contribution to the history of our western 
frontier. It begins with the history of the Indians and their sway 
over the lake shores. It then gives us an account of the arrival of 
the first French settlers from INIontreal, as missionaries, on Lake 
Erie and the upper lakes, and of the trappers and hunters who 
soon followed in their train, their first landing after leaving Lake 
Ontario being at this port. Here they established one of the first 
forts west of Niagara Falls, and opened a road eighteen miles 
south of Le Ba?uf, now called Waterford, at the head waters of the 
Ohio. At that place, Washington, a century after, commenced his 
military career, at the age of twenty. Beyond this they estab- 
lished other forts at Venango and Pittsburg, and moved on further 
south ; intending to secure the trade for Canada of the vast 
regions Avest of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. An account is 
given of the first vessel that traversed the lakes and of the gradual 
increase of shipping until the War of 1812, when Perry's fleet was 
commenced and equipped. A faithful description is also fur- 
nished of the fleet's armament and crews, and of the celebrated 
battle of the 10th of September, with portraits of some of the offi- 
cers (Commodore Perry and Dr. Parsons among them), and also of 
many of the prominent citizens who first settled in Erie. 



COMPLIMENTARY NOTICES. vii 

" Erie is now a beautiful city, its inhabitants having increased 
from 300 or 400 at the time of the war to 12,000. 

" The venerable Giles Sanford, Esq., who arrived there in 1810, 
is the father of the author, and being engaged since tlien as a 
prominent merchant and furnisher of supplies for the army and 
navy, is better acquainted with the history and concerns of Erie 
than any person living. He has been able to furnish his daughter 
with many of the materials of this valuable work, which we cor- 
dially recommend to the attention of all persons interested in the 
times, localities, and events of which it treats. It is written with 
great candor and truthfulness, and evinces a vast amount of in- 
dustry and patient research." 

From the Crawford Democrat, February 25, 1862. 

"This is a work of great value as a depository in which are 
treasured up, so as to secure them in a permanent form, the facts 
and incidents of the early settlement of the portion of our State of 
which it is the history. The accomplished authoress has done the 
task she assigned herself in a way to deserve the thanks of the 
Avhole country, but particularly the inhabitants of this State, and 
most especially of the dwellers in Erie County. Her book will be 
read with satisfaction and pleasure because of the important infor- 
mation it contains — information collected by much industry and 
perseverance — and for the attractive manner in which it is imparted. 
Erie County is fortunate in having one to write its history who is 
so well qualified by possessing both the literary and scientific 
ability and taste, and the love of the work necessary to success. 

" The plan adopted — and, indeed, required by the subject — is such 
as to give the ' History of Erie County ' more than a merely local 
interest. Interesting sketches are given of various Indian tribes, 
whose braves formerly roamed over this tlien great western 
wilderness, following on the war path ; whose hunters pursued 
their game through the vast forests that then, unbroken, covered 
all this region ; whose young men and maidens Avhispered their 
tale of love by the sparkling brooks in the waters of which the 
speckled trout sported, while over them the green boughs meeting 
formed Nature's sweet bowers ; and Avhose frail canoes were the 
only craft which then furrowed the lakes and rivers. The diffi- 
culties met and vanquished by the hardy early settlers are well 
narrated, and examples given. The naval operations on the lakes, 
and the victories gained on them by American hex'oes, receive 
attention. Besides these, other matters of general interest are 
noticed — such as relate to the occupancy of this region by the 



Vili COMPLIMENTARY NOTICES. 

French ; the fortifications built by them, and final surrender of 
their claims to the English. 

" A pumber of sketches of the lives of early settlers in Erie 
County are given, which add much to the attractiveness and in- 
terest of the volume. 

"MissSanford did not perform her work a day too soon. The 
knowledge of the facts of the early history and settlement of this 
part of our country is fast passing away along with those — of whom 
so few yet remain — in whose memory that knowledge is stored. A 
very few more years, and those facts, now, happily, secured, 
would have perished from the living generations. 

" I have said that Erie County is fortunate in having one so well 
qualified and, at the same time, disposed to write its history. The 
object of this notice of her book, besides being to call attention to 
a really meritorious work, is to ask, where is the historian of 
Crawford County? It is necessary he, or she, shall appear very 
soon, else it will be too late. Already, indeed, much that would 
have been among the most valuable history of this county has 
gone into the graves of the old settlers. Every year — every month 
— something of importance is perishing. 

" Crawford County affords material — has an unwritten history — 
not less abundant, certainly, nor less attractive, than Erie ; and as 
capable, in equally competent hands, of being made into a written 
history like that, in regard to interest, which is the subject of this 
notice. Have we no one with both the mind and heart to do it ? 
Let the historian of Crawford County appear, and quickly, too, be- 
fore those in whose memory it noAV lies pass away, and that 
person — man or woman — will deserve and have the gratitude of 
this and future generations. 

"J. T. R." 

" Mr. Fillmore, as President of the * Buffalo Historical Society,' 
accepts with pleasure and thanks the interesting History of Erie 
County, Pennsylvania, from the author. 

"Buffalo, July 20, 1S02." 



A Beacon Light-House. 

B Land Light-House. 

C Flash Llght^House. 

D Life Saving Station. 

E Soldiers' Home. 

F Massassauga Point. 

Q Tracy Point. 





ERIE HARBOR 

(PRESQUE ISI.E BAY) 

From a Survey in 1888 
By Knsigns H. Kimrnel and 
H. Hetherington, U. S. N., of 
the U. 8.8. Miehigran. Com- 
mander H. F. Picking, 
U. 8. N., command'g. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

An Account of the Eries — Traditions concerning them — Their 
Destruction — Symbols found on Kelly's or Cunningham's 
Island — Indian Remains 15 

CHAPTEB II. 

La Salle — The Griflfon — Relics — Gov. Shirley's Proposition— 
Braddock's Advice — Gov. Delancy's Plan — Estimating 
Presqu'ile — Hudson's Bay Company 24 

CHAPTER III. 

The English and French Claims — Construction of Forts 
Presquile (Erie) and Le Boeuf (Waterford) — Washington's 
Visit— Condition of these Forts in 1756, '57, '58, and '59— Their 
Desertion after the taking of Fort Niagara — Tradition in 
Erie — Major Rogers takes Possession for the English in 1760. 29 

CHAPTER IV. 

Pontiac— Destruction of Forts Presqu'ile and Le Boeuf, as de- 
scribed by Bancroft, Parkman, and Harvey — Col. Bradstreet 
at Presquile, in 1764 — Col. Bouquet's Treaty — A Detachment 
of British Soldiers and Indians embark at Chautauqua Lake 
— Hannastown burnt — Mr. Adams's Suggestion 48 

CHAPTER V. 

Penn's Charter— Boundaries of Pennsylvania— Mason and 
Dixon's Line — Review of said Line by Col. Graham — Wes- 
tern Boundary of Pennsylvania fixed in 1786 — Boundary be- 
tween New York and Pennsylvania confirmed by Act of 
Assembly in 1789 — Purchase of Triangle, 1791 — Anecdote of 
Mr. William Miles 56 



X CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VI. 

Arrangements for the Settlement of the Triangle— Pennsyl- 
vania Population Company— Act to lay out a Town at Presqu'- 
ile ; afterward repealed— Block-house at Le Boeuf— Indian 
INIurders- Gov. Miflfiin to the President— Attorney-General 
Bradfoi-d's Opinion— Ransom's Deposition — Letters of Capt. 
Denny — Andrew Ellicot and Gen. Chapin — Joseph Brandt — 
Cornplanter— A Present of Land— Treaty of Peace at Canan- 
daigua 62 

CHAPTER VII. 

An Act to lay out the Towns of Erie, Waterford, Franklin, and 
Warren — To protract the Enlistment of Troops at Le Boeuf— 
Deposition of Tho. Rees, Esq. — Actual Settlers— Memorial 
to the Popvilation Company — Deacon Chamberlain's Story — 
Capt. Martin Strong to William Nicholson, Esq. — Louis 
Philippe at ^Ir. Rees' s— Murder of Rutledge and Son — Mr. 
Augustus Porter's Visit — Mr. Judah Colt's MS. Autobi- 
ography—Number of White Settlers on the Lakes west of 
Genesee River — General Wayne's Death at Presqu'ile, 1796. 76 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Erie County from 1785 — Organization in 1803 — Its Geography, 
etc. — Original Townships — Changes— Extent of Townships 
and Population — Population decennially from 1800 — Census 
Items— Vote of 1808 and 1860 — Receipts and Expenditures do. 
— Extract from Auditor-General's Report — Post-offices in 
1830, 1856, 1860— List of Judges— Members of Congress- 
State Senate — Representatives — Prothonotaries — Registers 
and Recorders— Sheriffs— Coroners— First Section incorpo- 
rated — Courthouses — Act for Public Landing — Borough 
Charter altered in 1833 — Canal Basin — Peninsula — Poor- 
house — Several Acts — Government of Erie changed to that 
of a City — Present Population and Business — List of Bur- 
gesses and Mayors — Collectors of Customs — Postmasters in 
Erie 91 

CHAPTER IX. 

First Road — Population Company Roads— Erie and Waterford 
Turnpike — Salt Trade — Gen. O'Hara's Contract — Road to 
Buflfalo — First Coaches — Erie Canal — Railroads — Erie or 
Wattsburg Railroad— Sunbury and Erie — Erie and North- 



CONTENTS. XI 

east— Franklin Canal Company— Pittsburg and Erie Railroad 
—Plank-roads 107 

CHAPTER X. 

Shipping— The Washington, the First Vessel built on the 
South Shore of the Lake— Hudson's Bay Company— British 
Government Vessels— American Government Vessels— The 
Salina— Valuable Cargoes— Walk-in-the- Water— First Light- 
house — William Penn— First Steamer at Chicago — Cholera- 
Tonnage and Number of Vessels in 1810-20-31-36-47-60— Lake 
Disasters— Commerce of Port of Presqu'ile— Vessels and 
Tonnage registered at Presqu'ile in 1860— United States 
Steamer Michigan — Revenue Cutters 123 

CHAPTER XI. 

Banks— Gas Company— Insurance— Fire Companies— Volun- 
teer Military— Agriculture— Mutual Aid— Cemeteries— Moral, 
Benevolent, and Literary Societies 132 

CHAPTER XII. 

Newspapers— Common Schools— Academies— Normal School- 
Sabbath School— First Protestant Missionaries West of Utica 
—Moravians in Venango County, 1767— First Religious 
Service in Erie County— First Church Edifice— A Religious 
Experience — Presbytery of Erie— Revs, Patterson and Eaton 
—Extract from Rev. A. H. Carrier's Historical Sermon- 
Rev. R. Reid— Churches of different Denominations in Erie 
—Revivals 147 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Waterford—Edinboro— Northeast— Wattsburg—Girard— Union 
Mills — Albion — Cherry Hill — Wellsburg — Cranesville — 
Lockport — Pageville — Lexington — Fairview — Manchester — 
McKean Corners— Wesleyville— West Springfield— Spring- 
field — Beaverdam — Concord Station 178 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Biographical Sketches of Col. Seth Reed — Rufus Seth Reed — 
Judah Colt— Dr. U. Parsons— Dr. John C. Wallace — Rev. 
Robert Reid— Thos. Wilson— P. S. V. Hamot— Capt. D. Dob- 
bins— T. H. Sill— G. Sanford— Judge J. Galbraith 195 



Xii CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XV. 

War declared— Commodore Perry— Capt. Dobljiu's Corre- 
spondence — Commodore Chauucey, Mr. Henry Eckford, and 
Noah Brown — Difficulties in fitting out the Fleet — Gen. 
Mead— Capt. Perry at Fort George— Five Vessels brought 
from Buffalo— Provincial Marine Corps— Difficulties in pro- 
curing men — Letters to Commodore Chauncey and the Secre- 
tary of the Navy — A Providence recognized in the War — 
Getting the Vessels over the bar — Commodore Barclay at 
Port Dover — Seven of the Vessels make a Cruise — Officers 
and Men from Lake Ontario — August 12, Perry sails for San- 
dusky — Interview with Gen. Harrison — They proceed to 
Maiden — Kentucky Militia — Sickness — Letters from the 
Secretary— Ohio dispatched to Erie— Strength of the British 
Force — The American Force — Americans look in at Maiden — 
Corrected Instructions for the Battle 214 

CHAPTER XVI. 

British Vessels appear— Commodore Perry remodels his Line, 
and other Preparations— A brief Description of the Battle of 
September 10, by Dr. Parsons — The Vessels return to Erie 
with the Wounded and Prisoners — Capt. Perry promoted— 
His Reception at Erie— A Remark of McKenzie — President 
Madison — Congress — Prizes 238 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Block-houses built in 1813-14— State of Society— Buffalo burned 
— Alarms at Erie — Capt. Sinclair arrives— Bird, Rankin, and 
Davis executed — Disposition made of Government Vessels — 
List of Commanding Officers at Erie from 1813 to 1825— 
Topography of Presqu'ile Bay and the Peninsula — Misery 
Bay — Gen. Bernard and Maj. Totten's Survey — Appropria- 
tions made by the State and the United States — Changes 
since 1813— Rise and fall of Water in Lake Erie — A singular 
Phenomenon — Lake Survey 246 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Geology from Professor Rogers— Character of th6 Soil — Calca- 
reous Marl — Bog Ore — Petroleum — Mineral Waters — Descrip- 
tion of the Sink-hole by Mr. R. Andrews— The Devil's Back- 
bone and Nose — Botanizing 255 



CONTENTS. XUl 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Miscellaneous Items, among which are : A Tradition — Gen. 
Wayne — An Anecdote — Price of Provisions — Wm. W. Reed, 
Esq. — First National Celebration — Churches — The Garrison 
— A Relic — Saturday Afternoon — Ganae — Mrs. P.'s Reminis- 
cences — H. Russel's Journal — An Early Settler in Fairview — 
La Fayette's Visit in Erie — Cholera — Perry Monument — An 
Informal Meeting — Speculation — Fires — Sad Accidents — Ex- 
President Adams — Patriot War — Old Courthouse Bell — Pio- 
neers — Perry — Lieut. Yarnall — Survivors of the Battle of Lake 
Erie — Perry Monument at Cleveland — Inventions— Mora- 
vian Lands — Omissions — Bankers and Exchange Brokers. . 270 



SUPPLEMENT. 



SECTION I. 

The Shipyard of the Griffon -^ Northern State Boundary — 
Ownership of the Peninsula — The Pontiac Conspiracy — Le 
BcBuf— Letters of a Surveyor, etc. — Scenery • 303 

SECTION II. 

Magnitude of the Great Lakes — Lake Currents — Fish Exhibit 
— Hatcheries — Ancient Mariner — The Lighthouses — Flash 
Lighthouse — Life-saving Station— Waterworks— War for the 
Union— Soldiers and Sailors' Home 319 

SECTION III. 

Johnson Island Plot — United States Steamer Michigan — Rev- 
enue Cutters — Railroads — Rapid Transit — Liberty Bells — 
Erie — Some Towns and Townships — Grapes — Postoffices— 
Census— City Hall— Government Building— Petroleum— Gas 
— The Weather — Parks — Massassauga — Height of Lakes. . . 341 

SECTION IV. 

Biographies of Dr. Usher Parsons— Capt. W. W. Dobbins (an 
extract)— Oliver H. Perry— Maj. Andrew EUicott— Two For- 



XIV CONTENTS. 

eiguers— Dr. F. N. Thorpe— Rev. C. Dickson, D.D. — William 
Wallace, Esq. — Wallace Family — Judge Converse — Rev. T. 
H. Robinson, D.D, —Judge A. Tourgee — Bishop J. F. 
Spaulding — Rev. Dr. Stuckenberg — Dr. Artemas Martin — 
Rev. Dr. Chamberlain — Miss E. Ditto — Dr. and Ernest Inger- 
soU — Rev. K. Fullerton — Messrs. Perkins — Judge James 
Thompson and family — Hon. W^illiam L. Scott — Visits of 
Nine Presidents — Citizens mentioned . . , 376 

SECTION V. 

Churches — Revivals — Missionary Annual Meeting — Public 
Schools — Academy — Villa Maria — Lake Shore Seminary — St. 
Benedict— Clark's Business College— W. C. T. U.— Y. M. C. A. 
— Hamot and St. Vincent Hospitals — Home of the Friendless 
—Three New Charities — Bequests of John Weis and R. Wil- 
cox— Sisters of St. Joseph 407 

SECTION VI. 

Water Commissioners— Hon. W. L. Scott — Palatial Residences 
—The Wadena — Ore Docks — Trestle — Metric Metal— Railroads 
— County Roads — Freight Report — Banks — Disasters — Storage 
— Homeopathic Hospital— A Synopsis — World's Fair Awards. 434 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 

An Account of the Eries — Traditions Concerning Them — Their De- 
struction — Symbols found on Kelly's or CunninghanV s Island — 
Indian Remains. 

" A noble race ! but they are gone, 

With their old forests wide and deep, 
And we have built our homes upon 
Fields where their generations sleep."— Bryaxt. 

At the beginning of the seventeenth century the fierce and 
powerful Indian tribe called Erigas, Eries, Erie-honons, Mad 
Spirits or Cat tribe, occupied the southern borders of the lake 
now bearing their name. The same tribe was known to the 
French as the Neutral nation or Chats, and to the Dutch as 
Shaonons or Satanas. Champlain, in his first map, made no 
mention of them, locating other tribes in their territory ; 
subsequently he heard of them when in the Huron country. 
The territory they occupied, according to Charleroix, was the 
celebrated valley of the Niagara River. On its northern 
margin they were found spreading both east and west on the 
shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario, but not to any great dis- 
tance. Shea describes the localities of the tribes thus : "The 
Wyandots, traders of the West, lay in their densely-peopled 
villages, well fortified by ditch and palisade, on a small penin- 
sula in Lake Huron ; southwest lay their allies, the Tionon- 
tates, whose luxuriant fields of tobacco won for them and 
their fertile hills the name of Petuns ; and south and east of 
these, stretching beyond the Niagara and its marvelous 
cataract, lay the many clans of the Atiwandaronk, friends to 
the Huron and Algonquin, friends, too, to the Iroquois, and 
called by the French the Neutral nation ; east of these, in 

15 



16 HISTORY OF EKIE COUNTY. 

New York, stretching from the Genesee to the mouth of the 
Mohawk, lay the five clans of the Hohnnonchiendi, whose 
name remains in the natural features of New York, and who 
are now known collectively by the French name Iroquois ; 
west of these, on the southern shore of Lake Erie, lay the far- 
famed archers, the Eries or Cat tribe, who have melted away 
like a dream ; on the Susquehanna were the Andastes or 
Conastagues, friends of the Huron and Swede, few but brave." 
The Eries at this time numbered twenty-eight villages, and 
twelve large towns or forts ; these contained 12,000 souls, 4,000 
of whom were fighting men. 

In 1653, Le Moyne, an adopted Indian and priest, took his 
departure from Quebec, and landing at Oswego proceeded to 
the town of Onondaga. Here he was received with pomp, 
and after offering the authorities presents from the French 
governor, he commended to them peace and the faith of 
which he was the minister. Captive Hurons, of whom there 
were no less than a thousand in their midst, had prepared the 
way for the missionary by their instructions, causing the 
adults and children to desire baptism at his hands. Among 
others, a chief setting out against the Eries, on the eve of his 
departure begged for baptism. The prudent missionary coun- 
seled him to defer the rite to a future time, when he would 
visit them again. " Ah, brother ! " exclaimed the chief, " if I 
have the faith can I not be a Christian to-day? Art thou 
roaster of death, to prevent its striking me without thy order ? 
Will the shafts of the foe be blunted for me? Must I, at 
every step in battle, dread hell rather than death? Unless 
thou baptize me I shall not dare to meet the blows. Baptize 
me, for I will obey thee, and give thee my word to live and 
die a Christian." Such entreaties could not be resisted, and 
Le Moyne being persuaded of the chieftain's fitness, baptized 
him by the name of John Baptist, and the next day each set 
out on his different career. The baptized warrior was success- 
ful. Inspired by his zeal, the braves when surrounded by 
the Eries, invoked the God of the Christian, and vowed to 
embrace the faith if victory were granted. The tide of battle 
was changed, and the thousand braves of Onondaga drove an 
Erie force, which quadrupled theirs, from a strong post and 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 17 

won the day. Thus does even a corrupt Christianity inspire 
its possessors, and thus may paganism ever fall before the 
gospel. 1 

A semi-educated Tuscarora, David Cusic, published a jjam- 
phlet of Indian traditions, in Western New York, in 1825. 
This writing, though crude, ill digested, and generally obscure, 
throws much light on the history of the Eries. In 1626, 
among the first efforts made by New France to civilize the 
Indians, the Eries were visited ; and the peculiarity for which 
they are most celebrated was first brought into notice, that of 
neutrality among fierce and powerful tribes. Hence they are 
called by the French the Neutral nation. 

They were under the government of a queen, called Yago- 
wanea, or as called by the French and Senecas, Gegosasa. 
Accoi'ding to Cusic, she was a second Zenobia. The settle- 
ment of Canada by the French produced a division in the 
great Iroquois family — the Wyandots adhering to the Gallic 
side, and the Five Nations to the Dutch and English. In this 
feud of the Iroquois, the Algonquins or Adirondacks, who 
were at war with them formerly, were glad to make allies of 
the French and Wyandots. Between these the Eries occupied 
a geographical position on the banks of the Niagara, and had 
already become closely allied to the Wyandots and Five 
Nations. Neutrality was their only salvation — they were in a 
delicate position, and great wisdom was indispensable to its 
preservation. Gegosasa was called the mother of nations, 
and her wampum and peace-pipe were held sacred. Pro- 
tected by the sanctity of Gegosasa's character and office as 
keeper of the symbolic house of peace, she received messen- 
gers and ambassadors from the Five Nations, Wyandots, 
Mississaqu<?s, and others. Her authority extended much 
farther than her territory, but one inconsiderate act brought 
destruction to her nation after long and bloody wars. Two 
Canandaigua warriors (Senecas) were announced at her lodge, 
and began to smoke the pipe of peace, when a deputation 
from the Mississaqu^s was also announced. The object of 

1 The name of Le Moyne is again found as a leader wlien Schenectady, 
in 1690, was destroyed, and tlie most inhuman cruelties were perpetrated 
by a party of Canadian French Indians, being one of the three parties 
fitted out by Count Frontenac to distress the British Colonies. 



18 IIISTOKY OF EKIE COUNTY. 

their visit was soon made known, and tlieir request, which 
was to demand vengeance for tlie murder of their chief's son, 
was immediately granted. Intelligence of this violation of 
neutrality on the part of Gegosasa spread in every direction. 
The queen dispatched messengers to explain her position to 
Eagnatha (Buffalo), where the principal commander of the 
Eries resided. She even undertook herself to execute the 
commission ; but a meddling woman also stepped off quietly, 
taking a canoe along the shore of Lake Ontario, and com- 
municated the death of the Canandaigua chief. Spies were 
sent by the Senecas to ascertain the truth of the rumors, who, 
without exciting suspicion, learned the facts from some boys 
found hunting squirrels, and an army was raised in hot haste. 
As a decoy, a man was dressed in bear-skin and directed to sit 
in the path, and when pursued, to lead the way into ambush. 
The plan succeeded, and the Eries were brought into the 
midst of crouching Senecas, who sounded the war-whooji most 
terrifically, but themselves, after a severe contest, were forced 
to flee. Afterward they rallied and fought with great desper- 
ation, and the Eries were compelled to yield, leaving 600 slain 
warriors on the battle-field. 

In this first war of the Eries, which occurred in 1634, they 
proved themselves no despicable enemy. In 1653 they again 
engaged in war with the Iroquois. In this contest "Greek 
met Greek," and the event, otherwise doubtful, was decided 
by a pestilence which prevailed and swept off greater num- 
bers even than the club and arrow. After their defeat, 
according to Seneca tradition, they fled down the Ohio, and 
the once sacred peace-lodge of Yagowanea was demolished. 
They were compelled to leave the land where Niagara jiours 
its echoes and animates to heroic deeds. The Iroquois they 
found the worst of conquerors — inordinate i^ride, thirst of 
blood and dominion were the mainspring of their warfare, 
and their victories Avere stained with every excess of jjassion. 
When their vengeance was glutted by the sacrifice of a 
sufficient number of captives, they adopted the survivors as 
members of their confederate tribes, separating wives fi'om 
husbands and children from parents, and distributing them 
among different villages, in order that old ties and associa- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 19 

tions might be more completely broken. This policy, as 
Schoolcraft informs us, was designated among them by a 
name which signified "flesh cut into pieces and scattered 
among the tribes." Jefferson says of them: "They fled to 
distant regions of the West and South, and wherever they 
fled they Avere followed by the undying hatred of the Iroquois. 
In accordance with the threat of the Onondagas, their council 
fire was put out, and their name and lineage as a tribe lost." 

When the Jesuits visited the Onondagas, a Neuter was the 
first adult baptized. They were living then among them as 
helots, and bore their chains impatiently. They panted for 
freedom, their numbers giving them confidence. At one time 
they formed a plot to cut oflf their oppressors, but when aid 
was refused them by the French missionaries to whom they 
applied, they ceased to hope for deliverance. la 1674: the 
Eries are mentioned as constituting a part of the Christian 
village just then formed at La Prairie. 

The various nations have long since fused into one, losing 
all distinctive trace of origin, and no clue of names can enable 
us to distinguish the Neutral element in the present Iroquois 
race. In the history of the Jesuit missions we find several of 
that order penetrated tlie country of the Eries or Neuters 
from the year 1626 to the year 1640. Among them are the 
names of Father Joseph De la Roche, D'Allyon, Braboeuf, 
Noue, Chaumount, and Sayard. They were received with 
coldness and distrust, in spite of which they remained some 
months preaching in ten of their villages and endeavoring to 
enter and obtain a knowledge of the country. 

The efforts of De la Roche (who at first was quite a favorite) 
to find the mouth of the Niagara, excited their jealousj-, and 
after they had robbed and beaten him severely', he was forced 
to depart. 

The missionaries described the country as being finer than 
Canada, and producing an abundance of tobacco and grain. 
Braboeuf and Chaumount, by the aid of a charitable and 
intelligent native woman, compared the Huron and Neuter 
dialects. The result is lost, but Chaumount, in his manu- 
script, makes the Neuters, Hurons, and Iroquois use parts of 
the same language. They dressed in the most primitive 



20 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

style. In their manners they resembled the Hurons, but did 
not, like them, engage in commerce. 

Braboeuf foresaw that the French must have a post among 
them in order to extend commerce and Christianity, but their 
jealousy prevented his taking out his astrolabe to find the lati- 
tude of the Niagara River, and he had to content himself with 
roughly estimating it at 42 degrees. The missionary, Sayard, 
suffered at the stake, and the cognizance of the Jesuits was 
from that time withdrawn from the Eries. When the valley 
was finally opened it was in possession of the Senecas, and a 
tradition was rife corresponding with that of Cusic, that the 
Eries had been expelled in a bloody war and exterminated. 

And these traditions extend down almost to our own day. 
David Eddy, a resident of Hamburg, near Buffalo, and who 
settled there in 1804, relates that in early times there was an 
Indian living upon the reservation who probably was 115 
years of age. He was a Christian, and had been a peace- 
maker through life, and related to Mr. Eddy the following : 
That a nation called the Eries once inhabited all that region — 
that they were a powerful, warlike people, dreaded and feared 
by all other tribes, but were finally warred upon and their 
country conquered by the Senecas. 

Fortifications and mounds in Western New York indicate a 
race more skillful and persevering than the Senecas or the 
Indians known to the first white travelers. In many cases 
the mounds have trees growing upon them, the circles of 
which date them back a period of 300 years. Symbols of this 
extinct race have been found on Cunningham's or Kelly's 
Island, near Sandusky, Ohio. This island is about three 
miles long and two broad, and in consequence of the fine air, 
and its facilities for fishing and bathing, is a favorite summer 
resort. It is now, also, highly cultivated, and noted for pro- 
ducing an abundance of the finest grapes. The island is 
described as having a horizontal limestone basis like the main 
land, and rises fifteen feet above the water level. Where the 
rock is exposed, it appears to have been polished by diluvial or 
glacial action. The Indian remains discovered there consist 
of pictographic characters on the rocks, and earth-work em- 
bankments. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 21 

A drawing of these was made upon strong paper in 1851, 
and transmitted to Mr. George Johnson, of Sault St. Marie, a 
gentleman well versed in Indian languages, and by him was 
submitted to the examination of Shingowank, or Little Pine. 
The result of his inquiries was, that the island was the strong- 
hold of the Eries during their fierce and unsuccessful contest 
with the Iroquois. On the south side of the island there is a 
crest-shaped and irregular earth-work, which has the general 
appearance of an embankment or circumvallation intended to 
inclose and defend a village. The embankment is 1246 feet 
around the crest-shaped part, and about 400 feet on the rock 
brink of the island. Another embankment on the western 
side is 614 feet front and 1243 feet around. Within these have 
been found stone axes, pipes, perforations, bone fish-hooks, 
fragments of pottery, arrow-heads, net-sinkers, and frag- 
ments of human bones. The arrow-heads were found in a 
fissure of the rock in large quantities, were evidently new, 
and had been concealed in this kind of rude armory ; with 
them was found the largest species of axe figured, which had 
been apparently used. Five small mounds or burrows were 
also found on the southern and western parts of the island. 
On the north shore, on a bay, there is a brief pictographic in- 
scription on a boulder, which has been reversed by the force of 
the waters in a tempest. 

The interest of this, however, is inferior to that excited by a 
sculptured rock thirty feet by twenty-one, lying on the south 
shore of the island, about 200 feet from the west angle of 
the inelosure. The surface is smoothly polished, as well as 
the deeply-cut inscription, apparently by glacial attrition. 
According to Schoolcraft "it is the most extensive, and well- 
sculptured, and well-preserved inscription of the kind ever 
found in America." Its leading symbols are readily inter- 
preted, and tell a thrilling story, in which the European acts 
a part. There are many subordinate figures which require 
study. In some, the atmosphere and lake action have de- 
stroyed the connection, and others are of an anomalous char- 
acter. The whole inscription is manifestly connected with 
the occupation of the basin of the lake by the Eries, the 
coming of the Wyandots, and of the final flight of the people 



22 HISTOKY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

which have left their name upon the lake. There is an 
attempt to denote the position of Lake Erie ; pictures of two 
brothers surveying a scene of carnage — a pipe reversed, which 
indicates that they are desi^airing and agonized. They are 
wild forest Indians, being drawn without hats. The date of 
these inscriptions is placed at 1625. 

The Eries were known to be in "the plenitude of their 
power and barbaric boast of strength and influence" at the 
period of the first discoveries of the French in the beginning 
of the seventeenth century. From the French they learned 
the use of firearms, and the Iroquois from the Dutch about 
the same time. 

About five miles south of Franklin, Venango County, or 
nine by the river, on the left bank of the Allegheny, is a 
large rock covered with symbols or hieroglyphics, known by 
the present inhabitants as the "Indian God." Among the 
figures may be distinguished a turtle, a snake, an eye, an 
arrow, a sun, etc., symbols which undoubtedly record the 
exploits and illustrious actions of departed and forgotten 
nations. They have never been examined, that we are aware 
of, by any one cajmble of deciphering them. Many Indian 
graves are in the vicinity. 

The only traces of an Indian village in Erie County are near 
Waterford, where there is a burying ground, plum orchard, 
and other evidences of the Indians having chosen the hills 
around Lake Le Boeuf, and the beautiful creeks which flow 
into and from it, for their homes and hunting-grounds. The 
Six Nations were found in this region by the first white 
travelers (in fact, it was purchased from them), and yet com- 
paratively few Indian remains are discovered. On the ridge a 
mile south and east of Erie, in making excavations, perhaps 
twenty years ago, a great number of human bones were found 
and graves opened, so that Mr. Colt, the owner of the land, 
considered it almost desecration to disturb them, and ordered 
the workmen to desist, feeling that it would be more appro- 
priate to place a monument there. 

An Indian mound was opened near the mouth of AValnut 
Creek (in which vicinity many relics are found), and some 
fragments of decomposed human skeletons Avere all that could 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 23 

be discovered. Two miles west of this mound is an embank- 
ment covered with the ordinary forest growth, which is 
known as the Old Indian Fort. A small stream near by is 
called Fort Run. 

There are also remains of an Indian fort between Girard and 
Springfield. From a grave in this vicinity, some years ago, a 
thigh bone was exhumed which measured four inches longer 
than that of a man with which it M'as compared, who was six 
feet and two inches in height. About a mile south of Girai'd, 
arrow-heads, pipes, pestles for pounding corn, etc., have been 
found. Near Mr. Gould's, in Springfield, four or five years 
since, more than fifty arrows, axes, etc., were found in one col- 
lection, just below the surface in the public road. 

An ancient double fortification, inclosing about two acres, 
upon the Pomeroy farm, a mile or two northwest of Cranes- 
ville, has been pretty much farmed over. On the top of the 
bank, in 1830, oak trees four or five feet in diameter were 
growing. Skinning-stones, arrow-heads, an enormous skele- 
ton, and many other relics were found within the fort. A 
bed of coals a foot and a half below the surface appeared to be 
the remains of the fire of the occupants. 

About one hundred yards above, on the opposite bank of the 
creek, was another fort, similar in appearance, and contain- 
ing about the same quantity of ground. They are supposed to 
have been the encampments of two opposing armies. 

^n Scouler's woods, east of Erie, is an Indian burying- 
ground. INIr. Fredrick Zimmerman described a very large 
skeleton M'hich was found there ; with it were two cojiper 
bowls perforated at the edges and laced together with a buck- 
skin thong, which fell to dust soon after being exi^osed to the 
air. The bowls, which would contain about a pint each, were 
found filled with beads. 

A year or two since, on the farm of Judge Sterrett, four or 
five miles east of Erie, several skeletons were found in a 
sitting posture, facing the east, with drinking vessels near 
them. The same posture has been observed in other Indian 
graves in this vicinity. We are not aware that any antiqua- 
rian has particularly examined these relics, or whether they 
resemble in their general features those of New York and 



24 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Ohio, which are said to give evidence of a race more skillful 
and persevering than the Iroquois. There is a tradition, as we 
have seen, that the Eries two hundred years ago possessed our 
soil ; and still another, that the Massassagues had their hunt- 
ing-grounds and lighted their council fires near the head 
waters of the Allegheny. It is difficult to realize that our 
fair lands were so recently under the dominion of the hideous, 
painted savages, and that but little more than two generations 
have passed since heathenish rites and ceremonies prevailed, 
and the bow and arrow gave place to the peaceful arts of civil- 
ized life. 



CHAPTER II. 



La Salle — The Griffon — Relics — Governor Shirley^s Proposition — 
Braddock's Advice — Govertior Delancy's Plan — Estimating 
PresquHle — Hudson^s Bay Company. 

Among the adventurers who sought fame and fortune in the 
American wilderness, stood conspicuously Robert Cavalier, 
Sieur de la Salle, a young man of eminence and learning. He 
had received from Louis XIV. the rank of nobleman, a large do- 
main, and an exclusive trading privilege with the Five Nations, 
but his ambition was far from being satisfied with these. To 
extend the bounds of New France and to open commerce with 
Europe seemed to be his great object, and to this end he pro- 
posed a plan which Nvas carried out many years after — that of 
establishing military posts on the waters of the Mississippi. 

August 7, 1679, he launched the first wooden vessel that 
ever floated upon Lake Erie and called it "The Griffon," in 
allusion to the arms of Count Frontenac, Governor-General of 
Canada, and who had honored La Salle with his friendship. ^ 

1 There has been a diversity of opinions as to the locality of the Griffon 
ship-yard. Schoolcraft says near Buflalo ; General Cass, at Erie ; Sparks, 
on the Canadian side of the Niagara; Bancroft, in his first edition, at the 
mouth of Touawanta Creek (see his letter). Others, wlio have carefully 
examined the subject, and have had the best opportunity for judging, are 
firm in tlie belief tliat the keel was laid at the mouth of Cayuga Creek, 
on tlie American side of the Niagara, about six miles above tlie Great 
Falls. In the vicinity, it has long been known by the name of the "Old 
Bhip-yard."' I.a Salle is now a railroad station there. Bancroft's state- 
ment is in the jir,st edition only of the History of the United States. See 
Bancroft's note on the subject. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 25 

The Griffon was of sixty tous burden, and built at Cayuga 
Creek, six miles above the falls, on the American side. The 
Iroquois had gone to war beyond the lake while the Griffon 
was building ; the few that remained manifested their dissatis- 
faction, and one, affecting to be drunk, attempted to kill a 
blacksmith. They were advised that some Senecas intended 
setting fire to the vessel while on the stocks^ but a very strict 
watch was kept constantly. The Senecas refused to sell them 
Indian corn, and they had many fears of a failure of pro- 
visions, but Sunday exhortations kept up the courage of the 
workmen. Two savages of the Wolf tribe were engaged to 
hunt the roebuck, and other species of deer, for their use. 
The workmen were stimulated by the impression that the 
enterprise had sole reference to the glory of God, and the wel- 
fare of the Christian colonies. When the vessel was launched, 
it Avas blessed according to the Church of Rome. It was a 
moving fort, causing the savages to tremble wherever it was 
known. The Griffon passed the violent rapids of Lake Erie 
almost by miracle, the pilot himself having fears. They 
spread all sail, the wind being stormy, and in the most diffi- 
cult places the sailors threw out lines which Avere drawn by 
ten or twelve men on the shore. After having chanted 
Te Deum, they fired all their cannon or arbesques in the 
presence of the Iroquois warriors and the captives they had 
brought from Tin-ton-ha, or people of the prairie. 

It was freighted with provisions, merchandise, and seven 
small cannon, and had on board thirty-two passengers, being 
mostly fur traders and priests. In twenty days this perilous 
voyage was accomplished, and the pioneer vessel cast anchor 
in Green Bay. On the passage they encountered a severe 
storm. Among other tarryings, they gathered fruits, and 
made wine of the wild grapes of Michigan, discussed the 
question of planting a colony at Detroit, and established a 
trading-house at Mackinaw. At Green Bay the vessel was 
loaded with the finest furs, and again set sail for Niagara, but 
was never afterward heard from with certainty. Hennepin 
says : " It came to anchor at the mouth of the Lake Illinois, 
where it was seen by some savages, who told us that they ad- 
vised our men to sail along tlie coast, and not toward the 



26 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

middle of the lake, because of the sands that make the lake 
dangerous when there are high winds. Our pilot, as I said 
before, was dissatisfied, and would steer as he pleased, without 
hearing to the advice of the savages, who, generally speaking, 
have more sense than the Europeans think at first. But the 
ship was hardly a league from the coast when it was tossed up 
by a violent storm in such a manner that our men were never 
heard from since ; and it is supposed that the ship struck 
upon a sand, and was there buried. This was a great loss, for 
the ship and cargo cost 60,000 livres. The rigging, anchors, 
and goods were brought by canoes from Quebec and Fort 
Frontinac, which is such a vast charge that the carriage of 
every hundredweight cost eleven livres." Another author 
says the Griffon was lost a few days after leaving the Bay of 
Fetid. This and other misfortunes completely disheartened 
the daring traveler, as evinced by the name " Crevecoeur, " 
which he gave his fort built the same winter. After seven 
years of wanderings and adverse fortune. La Salle was basely 
robbed and murdered by one of his own men, and left with- 
out sepulture on the prairie, to be devoured by the wild beasts. 

Parkman says of La Salle : " Ten years of his early life had 
passed in connection with the Jesuits, and his strong mind 
had hardened to iron under the discipline of that relentless 
school. To a sound judgment and penetrating sagacity, he 
joined a boundless enterprise and an adamantine constancy of 
purpose. But his nature was stern and austere — he was prone 
to rule by fear rather than love — he took counsel of no man, 
and chilled all who approached him by his cold reserve." 

There was a tradition among the Jesuits that the GrifTon was 
driven ashore in a gale, the crew murdered, and the vessel 
plundered. Judging from relics found at different times, this 
may have occurred near Buffalo. In the Buffalo Commercial 
Advertiser, of January 26, 1848, a communication appears from 
James W. Peters, of East Evans, Erie County : " Some thirty- 
five or forty years ago, on the Ingersoll farm, in Hamburg, 
below the Eighteen-mile Creek, and on a high bank in the 
woods, was found by Mr. Ingersoll a large quantity of 
wrought-iron, supposed to be 700 or 800 weight. It was 
evidently taken off a vessel, was of superior quality, much 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 27 

eaten by rust, and sunken deep in the soil. A large tree bad 
fallen across it wbich was rotted and mixed with the earth. 
There were trees growing over the iron from six to twelve 
inches in diameter, wbich had to be grubbed up before all the 
iron could be reached. About twenty-seven years since, a 
man by the name of Walker, after a heavy blow on the lake, 
found on the beach, near where the irons were found, a 
cannon, and immediately under it a second one. I was there 
not forty-eight hours after they were found ; they wei'e much 
defaced by age and rust, and filled up with sand. I cleared ofT 
enough from one to lay a number of the letters bare. The 
words were French, and so declared at the time. The horns 
or trunnions were knocked off." 

The venex-able D. Eddy, of Hamburg, says : "In 1805 there 
was found upon the lake shore, where a large body of sand 
and gravel had been removed during a violent gale, a beauti- 
ful anchor. It was taken to Buffalo and Black Eock, and ex- 
cited a good deal of curiosity ; but no one could determine to 
what vessel it belonged." A record of the loss of a vessel at 
a later period than that of La Salle would in all probability 
have been preserved, and we may reasonably conclude that 
the iron, cannon, and anchor were those of the Griffon. 

In the Maryland Gazette^ August 23, 1759, we find the fol- 
lowing : " By a letter from Niagara, of the 21st ult., we learn 
that by the assistance and influence of Sir William Johnson 
there were upwards of eleven hundred Indians convened 
there, who by their good behavior have justly gained the 
esteem of the whole army ; that Sir William being informed 
that the enemy had buried a quantity of goods on an island 
about twenty miles from the post, sent a number of Indians to 
search for them, who found to the value of eight thousand 
pounds, and were in hopes of finding more ; and that a French 
vessel, entirely laden with beaver, had foundered on the lake, 
where her crew, consisting of forty-one men, were all lost." 
This vessel, lost eighty years after the Griffon, we have no ac- 
count of elsewhere. The relics found at Hamburg were but 
forty-six years after this time — not a sufficient period to cause 
the appearance those relics presented, the anchor deeply im- 
bedded in sand and gravel, the timber growth, etc. 



28 HISTORY OP ERIE COUNTY. 

About 1750, Governor Shirley, of Massachusetts, in writing 
to Secretary Robinson, proposed tlie plan of building one or 
two vessels on each of the lakes — Erie and Ontario — with 
whicli, and a few small fortified . i^laees of slielter upon the 
Ohio, he expected to curb tlie French, Avho were at this time 
the frequent occasion of difficulties and murders. Two years 
after. General Braddocli named Presqu'ile as a suitable place 
to build vessels for securing the navigation of Lake Erie, 
which, he says, " together with those designed for Lake 
Ontario, would make the English masters of the great lakes 
and the Ohio country, until the French can get a force upon 
those lakes, which it seems very difficult, if not impossible 
for them to do when our vessels are cruising upon them," 
General Braddock also requested that a magazine of pro- 
visions in the back of Pennsylvania be established, from 
whence to supply himself by a road through the mountains to 
the waters of the Ohio — "the road to extend to Venango and 
Niagara, which would be of infinite use in subsisting the 
troops, as that region abounds more with provisions than any 
other colony in North America." 

The estimation in which Presqu'ile was held one hundred 
years ago will be seen in a letter dated August 7, 1755, from 
Lieutenant-Governor De Laiicy to Secretary Robinson : " The 
third method of distressing the French is by way of Oswego ; 
to go thither we pass, as I observed before, through the coun- 
try of our Indian friends — by water it is a much less expen- 
sive carriage than by land — from Oswego we may go westward 
by water through Lake Ontario to Niagara. If we become 
inasters of this pass, the French cannot go to reinforce or 
victual their garrisons at Presqu'ile, Beeve River, or on the 
Ohio but with great difficulty and expense, and by a tedious, 
long passage. From the fort at Niagara there is a land 
carriage of about three leagues to the waters above the falls ; 
thence we go to Lake Erie, and so to the Fort Presqu'ile ; and 
if we take that, the French can carry no supplies of jjro- 
visions, nor send men to the head of Beeve River (Le Boeuf) 
or to the Fort Du Quesne on the Ohio, and of course those forts 
will be abandoned. The same batteaux which carry the train, 
provisions, etc., for the army to Oswego may carry them to 



HISTOKY OF ERIE COUNTY. 29 

Niagara, and being transported above the falls, ttie same may 
carry them to Presqu'ile, tlie fort on the south side of Lalie 
Erie, so that it will be practicable to bring the expense of such 
an expedition into a moderate compass — far less than the ex- 
pense of wagons, horses, etc., which are necessary in an expe- 
dition by land from Virginia to Ohio ; besides that, proceed- 
ing from Virginia to Fort Du Quesne, if it be taken, it is only 
cutting off a toe, but taking Presqu'ile you lop off a limb from 
the French and greatly disable them." 

Relating to the commerce of Lake Erie, we find that as 
early as 1669 the Hudson's Bay Company was incorporated, 
and transported its goods, provisions, and peltries in batteaux 
for many years after. 

In 1789 the British had vessels on Lake Erie for the trans- 
portation of his Majesty's troops and effects. The subject of 
commerce and shipping on Lake Erie is continued in Chapter 
XI. 



CHAPTER III. 



The English and French Claiins — Construction of Forts Presqu'ile 
{Erie) and Le Bceiif {Waterford) — Washington's Visit — Condition 
of these Forts in 1756, '57, '58, and '59 — Their Desertion after the 
Taking of Fort Niagara — Tradition in Erie — 3fajor Rogers takes 
Possessi07i for the English in 1760. 

The treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, of 1748, which closed the war 
in Europe, left the boundaries of the French and English 
possessions in America undefined. In the opinion of the 
French, the discovery of the mouth of the St. Lawrence and 
of the Mississippi entitled their sovereign to the territory 
watered by those streams. The abstract of Sieur de Cham- 
plain, 1612, claims for them the possession of all the countries 
from Florida to Cape Breton prior to any other Christian 
nation. Afterward this was renewed by Sieur de la Salle, 
with thirty Frenchmen, among whom were Mons. Joliet, 
priest and superior of the seminary at Montreal, and Father 
Mar(j[uette, who made a tour of Lake Erie and took possession 
of the circumjacent lands. Celeron de Bienville, with a com- 



30 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

pany of 300 men, was sent out by the Governor of Canada in 
1749 to make peace among the tribes and to renew the French 
possession of the country. He dispensed presents to the In- 
dians, reminded them of their former friendsliips, and warned 
them not to trade with the Englisli. He also nailed leaden 
plates to the trees, and buried them in the earth at the con- 
fluence of the Ohio and its tributaries. One of these plates 
was found a few years since at the junction of the Great 
Kanawha and Ohio, dated January 18 ; another at Muskin- 
gum the 16th of August ; and a third at Venango (Franklin). 
The following is a literal translation of the one last named: 
" In the year 1749, in the reign of Louis XV., King of France, 
we, Celeron, commandant of a detachment by Monsieur the 
Marquis of Galissoniere, commander-in-chief of New France, 
to establish tranquillity in certain villages of these cantons, 
have buried this plate at the confluence of Toradakoin, this 
29th of July, near the River Ohio, otherwise beautiful river, 
as a monument of renewal of possession which we have taken 
of the said river, inasmuch as the preceding kings of France 
have enjoyed this possession and maintained it by their arms 
and by treaties, especially by those of Ryswick, Utrecht, and 
Aix-la-Chapelle. ' ' 

The Indians regarded these plates with suspicion, and said, 
"They mean to steal our country from us" ; and these sus- 
picions were not groundless, for in a few years the French un- 
ceremoniously possessed themselves of their best tracts for 
trading-houses and fortifications. 

June 30, 1749, a letter was received by express from General 
Clinton, purporting that two NeAV England men, on their re- 
turn from Canada, where they had been to solicit the release 
of some prisoners, reported that they saw an army of 1,000 
French ready to go on some expedition, and they were in- 
formed it was to prevent any settlements being made by the 
English on Belle Riviere ; whereupon it was determined to 
dispatch a messenger to Mr. George Croghan, with a request 
that he would go immediately to Allegheny, and on his 
arrival send away a trader, or some person he could confide 
in, to the lakes or to the eastward, to discover whether any 
French were coming in those parts, and if any, in what num- 



HISTOKY OF ERIE COUNTY. 31 

ber, and what appearance they naade, that the Indians might 
be apprised and put upon tlieir guard, 

January, 1750. — Tlie Governor informed the council that 
three several letters, of an extraordinary nature, in French, 
signed "Celeron," were delivered to him by the French 
traders who came from Allegheny, informing him that this 
Captain Celeron was a French officer, and had the command 
of three hundred French and some Indians sent this summer 
to Ohio and the Wabash from Canada, to reprove the Indians 
for their friendship to the English, and for suffering the 
English to trade with them. The Governor sent one of the 
letters to the proprietaries in London, and another to the 
Governor of New York, that the same might be laid before 
the ministry. 

A letter from George Croghan, dated Logstown, in Ohio, 
December 16, 1750, contains the intelligence that he arrived 
the 15th, and was told by Indians that they saw Jean Cceur 
150 miles up the river, where he intended building a fort. 
The Indians he had seen were of opinion that the English 
should have a fort or forts on this river to secure the trade. 
They expected a war with the French the next spring. 

February 6. — In a letter of Governor Clinton, dated Fort 
George, January 29, 1750, is the following : " I send you a 
copy of an inscription on a leaden plate stolen from Jean 
Coeur, in the Senecas' country, as he was going to the Ohio." 

The claim of England to this region was founded on a grant 
of King James the First, dated 1606, and confirmed in 1620, to 
divers of his subjects, of all the countries between north lati- 
tude 48° and 34°, and westward from the Atlantic Ocean to the 
South Sea — not a right only to the seacoast, but to all the 
inland country from sea to sea. England had, also, through 
commissioners from ^laryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, 
purchased western lands from the Six Nations. This treaty 
was held at Lancaster in 1744, between 252 Indians, with 
Conrad Weiser as friend and interpreter, and the Governor of 
Pennsylvania, with Col. Thomas Lee and Col. William 
Beverly, of Virginia. The commissioners of Maryland paid 
for their purchase £220 in goods ; Virginia, £220 in gold and 
the same amount in goods, with promises that more should be 



32 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

paid as settlements iuereased. The chief subsequently dis- 
puted the sale of any lands west of the Warrior's Road, which 
was at the foot of the Allegheny ridge. In reality the Indians 
were intoxicated through the whole conference, and it was 
only through much ingenuity and persuasion that they were 
induced to sign a deed confirming the Lancaster treaty in its 
full extent, which was effected at Logstown, seventeen miles 
below Pittsburg, in 1752. 

The year before, in 1751, it was rumored that the French 
were aware of the difficulties they would have to encounter in 
maintaining their position in New France, and were taking 
measures to meet them. Capt. Lindsay wrote Col. Johnson, 
to whom all such affairs were referred, " that Bunt and Black 
Prince's son with their fighters had come in, and that the 
French had built two forts, one at Niagara carrying place, 
and the other on the Ohio River by Joncaire ; that they had 
heard a bird sing that a great many Indians from his castle, 
and others from the Five Nations, were gone to Swegage" ; 
in fine, that the English would lose all the Indians if they 
did not bestir themselves. 

Early in 1753 the French sent out a detachment from Mon- 
treal to erect other fortifications, to make good theh' claim by 
force of arms if they met with opposition, and to oblige all 
English subjects to evacuate. Oswego they were instructed 
not to molest in consideration of Cape Breton — any other post 
the English had settled near or claimed was to be reduced if 
not quitted immediately. A narrative of this expedition from 
Montreal, and the building of Forts Presqu'ile and Le Boeuf, 
is to be found in the following deposition of Stephen Coffin, 
which was made to (^ol. Johnson, of New York, January 10, 
1754. Coffin was a New Englander who had been taken 
prisoner by the French and Indians of Canada, at Menis, in 
1747. He had served them in different capacities until 1752, 
when, being detected in efforts to escape to his own country, 
he Avas confined in jail in Quebec ; on his release he applied 
to Governor Du Quesne to be sent with the forces to Ohio. 
In his own words — "The deponent then applied to Mayor 
Ramsey for liberty to go with the army to Ohio, who told 
him he would ask the Lieut, de Ruoy, who agreed to it; 



HISTORY OP ERIE COUNTY. 33 

upon which he was equipped as a soldier and sent with a 
detachment of 800 men to Montreal under the command of 
Mons. Babeer, who set off immediately with said command 
by land and ice for Lake Erie. They in their way stopped 
to refresh themselves a couple of days at Cadaraqui Fort, 
also at Taranto on the north side of Lake Ontario, then at 
Niagara Fort fifteen days from thence. 

"They set off by water, being April, and arrived at Chada- 
koin (Chautauqua) on Lake Erie, where they were ordered to 
fell timber and prepare it for building a fort there, according to 
the Governor's instructions ; but Mr. Morang coming up with 
five hundred men and twenty Indians, put a stop to the erect- 
ing a fort at that place, by reason of his not liking the situa- 
tion, and the River Chadakoiu being too shallow to carry out 
any craft with provisions, etc. to Belle Riviere. ' The de- 
ponent says there arose a warm debate between Messieurs 
Babeer and Morang thereon, the first insisting on building a 
fort there, agreeable to instructions, otherwise, on jNIorang 
giving him an instrument in writing to satisfy the Governor 
on that point, which Morang did, and then ordered Mons. 
Mercie, who was both commissary and engineer, to go along 
said lake and look for a situation, which he found, and re- 
turned in three days, it being fifteen leagues to the southwest 
of Chadakoin. They were then ordered to repair thither; 
when they arrived, there were about twenty Indians fishing 
in the lake, who immediately quit on seeing the French. 
They fell to work and built a square fort of chestnut logs, 
squared and lapped over each other to the height of fifteen 
feet. It is about one hundred and twenty feet square, a log- 
house in each square, a gate to the southward, another to the 
northward, not one port-hole cut in any part of it. When 
finished, they called it Fort Presqu'ile. The Indians who 
came from Canada with them returned very much out of 

1 Lieutenant Holland of the English fort at Oswego observed Morain (or 
Morang) with his fleet pass that point on the fourteenth of May, and 
dispatched letters immediately to Colonel Johnson and Governor Clin- 
ton. He stated to the latter that there were " thirty odd French canoes," 
and that common report in Canada made the French army to consist 
of 6,000 men and .500 Indians of the Coyhnawagas, Scenondidies, Ono- 
gonguas, Oroondoks, and Chenundies tribei?, who would not engage to 
go to war -with the English, but would hunt ut so much per month for 
the army. 



34 HISTORY OF EKIE COL'NTY. 

temper, owing, it Mas said amoug tlie army, to Morang's 
dogged beliavior and ill usage of tlieni ; but they (tlie Indians) 
said at Oswego it was owing to tlie French misleading them, 
by telling them falsehoods, which they said they now found 
out, and left them. As soon as the fort was finished, they 
marched southward, cutting a wagon road through a fine, 
level country twenty-one miles to the river — (leaving Captain 
Derpontency with one hundred men to garrison the Fort 
Presqu'ile). They fell to work cutting timber boards, etc., for 
another fort, while Mr. Morang ordered Mous. Bite with fifty 
men to a place called by the Indians Ganagarahare, on the 
banks of Belle Riviere, where the River Aux Boeufs empties 
into it. In the meantime, Morang had ninety large boats 
made to carry down the baggage, provisions, etc. to said 
place. Mons. Bite, on coming to said Indian place, was 
asked what he wanted or intended. He upon answering said, 
' it was their father, the Governor of Canada's intention to 
build a trading house for them and all their brethren's con- 
venience ' ; he was told Vjy the Indians that the lands were 
theirs, and that they would not have them build upon it. 
The said Bite reported to IVIorang the situation was good, but 
the water in the River Aux Bosufs too low at that time to 
carr}' any craft with provisions, etc. 

" A few days after, the deponent says, that about one hun- 
dred Indians, called by the French the Loos, came to the Fort 
La Riviere Aux Boeufs to see what the French were doing ; 
that Morang treated them very kindly, aud then asked them 
to carry down some stone, etc. to the Belle Riviere, on horse- 
back, for payment, which he immediately advanced them on 
their undertaking to do it. They set off with full loads, but 
never delivered them to the French, which incensed them 
very much, being not only a loss, but a great disappointment. 
Morang, a man of very peevish, choleric disjjosition, meeting 
with those and other crosses, and finding the season of the 
year too far advanced to build the third fort, called all his 
officers together, and told them that, as he had engaged and 
firmly promised the Governor to finish these forts that season, 
and not being able to fulfill the same, he was both afraid and 
ashamed to return to Canada, being sensible he had now 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 35 

forfeited the Governor's favor forever. Wherefore, rather than 
live in disgrace, he begged they would take him (as he then 
sat in a carriage made for him, being very sick sometimes) and 
seat him in tlie middle of the fort, and then set fire to it and 
let him perish in the flames, which was rejected by the offi- 
cers, who had not the least regard for him, as he had behaved 
very ill to them all in general. The deponent further saith, 
that about eight days before he left the Fort Presqu'ile, 
Chevalier Le Crake arrived express from Canada in a birch 
canoe worked by ten men, with orders (as the deponent after- 
ward heard) from the Governor Le Cain (Duquesne) to 
Morang to make all the preparation possible against the 
spring of the year to build them two forts at Chadakoin, one of 
them by Lake Erie, the other at tlie end of the carrying place 
at Lake Chadakoin, which carrying place is fifteen miles from 
one lake to the other. The said Chevalier brought for M. 
Morang a cross of St. Louis, which the rest of the officers 
would not allow him to take until the Governor was 
acquainted with his conduct and behavior. The Chevalier 
returned immediately to Canada. 

" After which, the deponent saith, when the Fort La Riviere 
Aux Boeufs was finished (which is built of wood stockaded 
triangularwise, and has two log-houses on the inside) M. 
Morang ordered all the party to return to Canada for the 
winter season, except three hundred men, which he kept to 
garrison both forts and prepare materials against the spring 
for the building of other forts. He also sent Jean Coeur, an 
officer and interpreter, to stay the winter among the Indians 
on the Ohio, in order to prevail with them not only to allow 
the building of forts over there, but also to persuade them, if 
possible, to join the French interests against the English. 
The deponent further says that on the 28th of October lust, he 
set off for Canada under the command of Cajit. Deman, who 
had the command of twenty-two batteaux with twenty men 
in each batteau, the remainder being seven hundred ; and 
sixty men followed in a few days. The thirtieth arrived at 
Chadakoin, where they stayed four days, durhig which time 
M. Peon, with two hundred men, cut a wagon road over the 
cai'rying place from Tiake Erie to Lake Chadakoin, being 



36 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

fifteen miles, viewed the situation, wliich proved to their 
liking, and so set off November the third for Niagara, where 
we arrived the sixth. It is a very poor, rotten, old wooden 
fort with twenty-five men in it. They talk of rebuilding it 
next summer. We left fifty men there to build batteaux for 
the army against the spring, also a storehouse for provisions, 
stores, etc. Stayed here two days, then set off for Canada. 
All hands, being fatigued with rowing all night, ordered to 
put ashore to breakfast within a mile of Oswego garrison ; at 
which time the deponent saith that he, with a Frenchman, 
slipped off and got to the fort, where they were concealed 
until the enemy passed. From thence he came here. The 
deponent further saith, that beside the three hundred men 
with which he went up first under the command of M. Babeer, 
and the five hundred Morang brought up afterward, there 
came at different times, with stores, etc., one hundred men, 
which made in all fifteen hundred men, three hundred of 
which remained to garrison the two forts, fifty at Niagara ; 
the rest all returned to Canada, and talked of going up again 
this winter, so as to be there the beginning of April. They 
had two six-pounders and seven four-pounders, which they in- 
tended to have planted in the fort at Ganagarahare (Frank- 
lin), which was to have been called the Governor's Fort ; but 
as that was not built, they left the guns in the Fort La 
Riviere Aux Boeufs, where Morang commands. Further the 
deponent saith not." 

The Indians of New York and the Allegheny country, as we 
have seen, were allied to Great Britiau. A deputation of 
seven French Indians had been sent to Onondaga, the head- 
quarters of the Six Nations, to conciliate them and to prepare 
the way for this expedition from Canada. Although many of 
the Indians favored the French, yet the deputation were in- 
formed promptly that they would not be allowed to settle upon 
their lands. Andrew Montour, an Indian interpreter who 
was present at the conference, having some commission from 
the Governer of Virginia, on his return conveyed the intelli- 
gence to him, and also to Governor Hamilton of Pennsyl- 
vania. The latter addressed the Colonial Assembly on the 
subject, urging the necessity of protection for the friendly 



HISTORY OF EKIK COUNTY. 37 

Indians, and suggesting the discomfort of having French 
forts within the limits of tlie province, together with the 
probability of the Indians deserting them for a power willing 
to afford them protection. 

The same year (1749) Celeron, in the name of Louis, took 
possession of the Ohio valley. An association was formed by 
twelve Virginians, among whom were found the names of 
George and Augustus Washington, called the Ohio Company, 
which petitioned the king for a grant of land beyond the 
mountains. Their object was not so much to cultivate the 
soil or promote settlement, as to monopolize the Indian trade, 
to purchase and export furs, to sell goods, and erect trading 
houses and stores. The government readily assented to the 
project, as it promised quiet and prompt possession of the Ohio 
valley, in opposition to the advances of the French, and granted 
them 500,000 acres of land west of the Alleghenies. Of this 
land, two fifths was to be selected immediately, the whole was 
to be free from quit rent ten years, one hundred families were 
to settle upon it, and a garrison was to be maintained at the 
expense of the company as a defense against the Indians. 

Christopher Gist was sent out to explore and report to the 
corporation, and in 1752 he, with eleven other families, made 
the first settlement west of the mountains. This was upon 
land presumed to belong to the company, and is now called 
Mount Braddock, being in Fayette County. 

The news of the encroachments of the French having ob- 
tained, and the Ohio Company feeling aggrieved, applied for 
aid to Governor Dinwiddie, who claimed the country as a part 
of Virginia, and was also interested as a stockholder of the 
company. In Gen. Washington, then but a youth, Governor 
Dinwiddie saw one fitted to lead in this difficult expedition. 

On the 30th of October, 1753, accompanied by Gist, the 
pioneer, Van Braem, a retired soldier, who had a knowledge 
of French, and John Davison, Indian interpreter, he set out 
for the wilderness. 

The instructions given Washington were to communicate at 
Logstown with the friendly Indians, and to re(iuest of them 
an escort to the headquarters of the Frencli, to deliver his 
letter and credentials to the commander, and demand of him 



38 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

an answer in the name of the British sovereign, and an escort 
to protect him on his return. He was to acquaint himself with 
the strength of tlie Frencli forces, the number of tlieir forts, 
and their object in advancing to tliose parts, and also to make 
such other observations as his opportunities would allow. 

The Indians were not well satisfied as to the rights of either 
the French or English. An old Delaware sachem exclaimed, 
" The French claim all the lands on one side of the Ohio, and 
the English on the other ; now where does the Indian's land 
lie?" " Poor savages ! between their father the French, and 
their brothers the English, they were in a fair way of being 
lovingly shared out of the whole country." Three of the 
sachems, Tanacharison, or Half-King, from his being subject 
to another tribe, Jeskakake, and White Thunder, accom- 
panied Major Washington from Logstown, as they had been 
directed by Governor Dinwidde, as well as for the purpose of 
returning to the French commander the war belts they had 
received from them. This implied that they wished to dis- 
solve all friendly relations with their government. These 
Ohio tribes had been offended at the encroachments of the 
French, and had a short time previously sent deputations to 
the commander at Lake Erie, to remonstrate. Half-King, as 
chief of the Western tribes, had made his complaints in per- 
son, and been answered with contempt. " The Indians," said 
the commander, "are like flies and mosquitos, and the num- 
bers of the French as the sands of the seashore. Here is your 
wampum, I fling it at you." As no reconciliation had been 
offered for this offense, aid w^as readily granted by them to the 
English in their mission. 

From Washington's journal we get the folloMing particu- 
lars : On their arrival at Venango ^ (Franklin) they found the 

1 " The original drawing of Fort Venango by the French engineers is still 
in existence, being in the possession of William Reynolds, Esq., Meadville. 
In the vicinity of the fort several choice species of grapes are stiiJ growing, a 
line of them extending from its center to the base of the hill. They have 
been bearing so long that the minds of men ' runneth not to the contrary.' 
No doubt the original shoots were brought from ' La Belle France.' " 

The draft, it is said, was made in 1758 or 1759, and exhibited the stockade 
on the embankment, the bastions and gates of the fort, together with the 
very strong block-bouse in the center, which had no less than sixteen 
chimneys. Below the southeast corner of the fort stood a saw-mill, erected 
on the little stream that passes it. The draft has no notes or explanations 
annexed. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 39 

French colors hoisted at a house from which they had driven 
John Frasier, an Enghsh subject. There they inquired for 
the residence of the commander. Three officers were present, 
and one Capt. Jean Coeur informed them that he had the 
command of the Ohio, but advised them to apply for an 
answer at the near fort, where there was a general officer. He 
then invited them to sup with them, and treated the company 
with the greatest complaisance. At the same time they 
dosed themselves plentifully with wine, and soon forgot the 
restraint which at first appeared in their conversation. In 
this half-intoxicated state they confessed that their design 
was to take possession of the Ohio, although the English 
could command for that service two men to their one. Still 
their motions were slow and dilatory. They maintained that 
the right of the French was undoubted from La Salle's dis- 
covery sixty years before, and that their object now was to 
prevent the settlement of the English upon the river or its 
waters, notwithstanding several families they had heard were 
moving out for that purpose. 

Fifteen hundred men had been engaged in the expedition 
west of Lake Ontario, but upon the death of the general, 
which had occurred but a short time before, all were recalled 
excepting six or seven hundred, who now garrisoned four 
forts, being one hundred and fifty men to a fort. The first of 
the forts was on French Creek (Waterford), near a small lake, 
about sixty miles from Venango, north-northwest ; the next 
on Lake Erie (Presqu'ile), where the greater part of their 
stores were kept, about fifteen miles from the other ; from 
this, one hundred and twenty miles to the carrying place, at 
the Falls of Niagara (probably Schlosser) is a small fort, 
where they lodge their goods in bringing them from IMontreal, 
from whence all their stores are brought ; the next fort lay 
about twenty miles farther, on Lake Ontario (Fort Niagara). 

The second day at Franklin it rained excessively', and the 
party were prevented from prosecuting their journey. In the 
meantime, Capt. Jean Coeur sent for Half-King, and pro- 
fessed great joy at seeing him and his companions, and 
afl'ected much concern that they had not made free to bring 
them in before. To this Washington replied that he had 



40 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

heard him say a great deal hi dispraise of Indians generally. 
His real motive was to keep them from Jean Coeur, he being 
an interpreter and a person of great influence among the 
Indians, and having used all possible means to draw them 
over to the French interests. When the Indians came in, the 
intriguer expressed the greatest pleasure at seeing them, was 
surprised that they could be so near witliout coming to see 
him, and after making them trifling presents, urged upon 
them intoxicating drinks until they were unfitted for business. 
The third day Washington's party were equally unsuccessful 
in their efforts to keep the Indians apart from Jean Cceur, or 
to prosecute their journey. On the fourth day they set out, but 
not without an escort planned to annoy them, in Monsieur 
La Force and three Indians. Finally, after four days of 
travel through mire and swamps, with the most unpropitious 
weather, they succeeded in reaching Le Boeuf. 

Washington immediately presented himself, and oflfered his 
commission and letters to the commanding officer, but was 
requested to retain both until Mons. Reparti should arrive, 
who was the commander at the next fort, and who was ex- 
pected every hour. The commander at Le Boeuf, Legardeur 
de St. Pierre, was an elderly gentleman with the air of a 
soldier, and a knight of the military order of St Louis. He 
had been in command but a week at Le Boeuf, having been 
sent over on the death of the late general. 

In a few hours Capt. Reparti arrived from Presqu'ile, the 
letter was again oflfei-ed, and after a satisfactory translation a 
council of Avar Avas held, which gave Major Washington and 
his men an opportunity of taking the dimensions of the fort 
and making other observations. According to their estimate, 
the fort had one hundred men, exclusive of a large number of 
officers, fifty birch canoes and seventy pine ones, and many in 
an unfinished state. 

The instructions he had received from Governor Dinwiddle 
allowed him to remain but seven days for an answer ; and as 
the horses were daily becoming weaker, and the snow fast in- 
creasing, they were sent back to Venango, and still further to 
Shannopin's town, provided the river was open and in a 
navigable condition. In the meantime Commissary La Force 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 41 

was full of flatteries and fair promises to the sachems, still 
hoping to retain them as friends. From day to day the party 
were detained at Venango, sometimes by the power of liquor, 
the promise of presents, and various other pretexts, and the 
acceptance of the wampum had been thus far successfully 
evaded. 

To the question of Major Washington, "by what author- 
ity several English subjects had been made prisoners?" 
Captain Reparti replied, "that they had orders to make pris- 
oners of any who attempted to trade upon those waters." 
The two who had been taken, and of whom they inquired 
particularly, John Trotter and James McClochlan, they were 
informed had been sent to Canada, but were now returned 
home. They confessed, too, that a boy had been carried past 
by the Indians, who had besides two or three white men's 
scalps. 

On the 15th, the commandant ordered a plentiful store of 
liquors and provisions to be put on board the canoes, and 
appeared extremely complaisant, while he was really studying 
to annoy them, and to keep the Indians until after their de- 
parture. 

Washington, iu his journal, remarks : "I cannot say that 
ever in my life I suffered so much anxiety as I did in this 
affair. I saw that every stratagem which the most fruitful 
brain could invent was practiced to win the Half-King to 
their interests, and that leaving him there was giving them 
the opportunity they aimed at. I went to the Half-King and 
pressed him in the strongest terms. He told me that the 
commandant would not discharge him until the morning. I 
then went to the commandant, and desired hiin to do their 
business, and complained of ill treatment ; for keeping them, 
as they were part of my company, was detaining nae. This 
he promised not to do, but to forward my journey as much 
as possible. He protested that he did not keep them, but was 
ignorant of the cause of their stay ; though I soon found it 
out : he promised them a present of guns, etc., if they would 
wait until morning." Their journey to Franklin was tedious 
and very fatiguing. At one place the ice had lodged so 
their canoes could not pass, and they were obliged to carry 



42 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

them a quarter of a mile. One of the chiefs, White Thunder, 
became disabled, and they were compelled to leave him with 
Half-King, who promised that no fine speeches or scheming 
of Jean Cceur should win him back to the French. In this 
he was sincere, as his conduct afterward proved. As their 
horses were now weak and feeble, and there was no proba- 
bility of the journey being accomplished in reasonable time, 
Washington gave them, with the baggage, in charge of Mr. 
Van Braem, his faithful companion, tied himself up in his 
watch-coat, with a pack on his back containing his papers, 
some provisions, and his gun, and, with Mr. Gist fitted out 
in the same manner, took the shortest route across the 
country for Shannopin's town. 

On the day following they fell in with a party of French 
Indians, who laid in wait for them at a place called Murder- 
ing town, now in Butler County. One of the party fired upon 
them ; but, by constant travel, they escaped their company, 
and arrived within two miles of Shannopin's town, where 
trials in another form awaited them. They were obliged to 
construct a raft, in order to cross the river ; and when this was 
accomplished, by the use of but one poor hatchet, and they 
were launched, by some accident Washington was precipi- 
tated into the river, and narrowly escaped being drowned. 
Besides this, the cold was so intense that Mr. Gist had his 
fingers and toes frozen. At Mr. Frasier's, (Turtle Creek,) 
they met twenty warriors going southward to battle, and at 
the Monongahela, seventeen horses, loaded with materials 
and stores for a fort at the forks of the Ohio, and a few fami- 
lies going out to settle. On the 16th of Februai-y Washington 
arrived at Williamsburg, and waited upon Governor Dinwid- 
dle with the letter he had brought from the French 
commandant, and offered him a narrative of the most remark- 
able occurrences of his journey. 

The reply of Chevalier de St. Pierre was found to be 
courteous and well guarded. "He should transmit," he 
said, " the letter of Governor Dinwiddle to his general, the 
Marquis Du Quesne, to whom it better belongs than to me 
to set forth the evidence and reality of the rights of the king, 
my master, upon the lands situated along the Ohio, and to 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 43 

contest the pretensions of the king of Great Britain thereto. 
His answer shall be a law to nie. ... As to the sum- 
mons to retire you send me, I do not think myself obliged to 
obey it. Whatever may be your instructions, I am here by 
virtue of the orders of my general, and I entreat you, sir, 
not to doubt one moment but that I am determined to con- 
form myself to them with all the exactness and resolution 
which can be expected fi'om the best officer. ... I 
made it my particular care to receive Mr. Washington with 
a distinction suitable to your dignity, as well as his own 
quality and merit. I flatter myself that he will do me this 
justice before you, sir, and that he will signify to you, in the 
manner I do myself, the profound respect with which I am, 
sir, etc." 

Governor Dinwiddie and his council understood this evasive 
answer as a ruse to gain time, in order that they might in the 
spring descend the Ohio and take military possession of the 
whole country. 

This expedition may be considered the foundation of 
Washington's fortunes. " From that moment he was the 
rising hope of the country. His tact with the Indians and 
crafty whites, his endurance of cold and fatigue, his prudence, 
firmness, and self-devotion, all were indications of the future 
man." 

Relating to the French forts, April, 1757, we have the 
following : " Colonel Johnson, British Indian agent, residing 
at Tribeshill, Xew York, received intelligence through sav- 
ages, that a strong detachment was ascending the St. Law- 
rence and entering Lake Ontario, and supposing it concerned 
the Mohawk country, he assembled his militia and marched 
to Palatine, where another company of eleven or twelve 
hundred men joined him, sent out by the commandant at 
Oswego. He intrenched himself and remained in camp 
fifteen days, when he received intelligence that the French 
detachment had passed by to reinforce Belle Riviere." 

A year before, in 1756, a prisoner among the Indians, who 
had made his escape, gave the following particulars : " Buffa- 
loes Fort, or Le Boeuf, is garrisoned with one hundred and 
fifty men and a few straggling Indians. Presqu'ile is built of 



44 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

square logs filled up with earth ; the barracks are withiu the 
fort, and garrisoned with one hundred and fifty men, sup- 
ported chiefly from a French settlement begun near it. The 
settlement consists, as the prisoner was informed, of about one 
hundred families." [This French settlement is not spoken 
of by any other person, M, Chauvignerie, as' will be seen, 
states tliat there were no settlements or improvements near 
the forts Presqu'ile or Le Boeuf.] "The Indian families about 
the settlement are pretty numerous ; they have a priest 
and sclioolmaster, and some grist-mills and stills in the 
settlement." 

In 1757, M. Chauvignerie, Jr., aged seventeen, a French 
prisoner, testified before a justice of the peace to this effect : 
" His father was a lieutenant of marines and commandant of 
Fort Machault, built lately at Venango." [On the author- 
ity of an old map at Quebec, Fort Machault was the oppo- 
site side of the river from Fort Venango.] "At the fort 
they have fifty regulars and forty laborers, and soon expect 
a reinforcement from Montreal, and they drop almost daily 
some of the detachments, as they pass from Montreal to 
Fort du Quesne. Fort Le Boeuf is commanded by my 
uncle, INIonsieur de Verge, an ensign of foot. There is no cap- 
tain or other officer there, above an ensign ; and the reason 
of this is, that the commandants of those forts purchase a 
commission for it, and have the benefit of transporting the 
provisions and other necessaries. The provisions are chiefly 
sent from Niagara to Presqu'ile, and so from thence down the 
Ohio to Fort du Quesne. Sometimes, however, they are 
brought in large quantities from southward of Fort du 
Quesne. There are from eight hundred to nine hundred, 
and sometimes one thousand men between Forts Presqu'ile 
and Le Boeuf. One hundred and fifty of these are regulars, 
and the rest Canadian laborers, who work at the forts and 
build boats. There are no settlements or improvements near 
the forts. The French plant corn about them for the Indians, 
wliose wives and children come to tlie fort for it, and get 
furnished also with clothes at the king's expense. Traders 
reside in the forts, that purchase of them peltries. Several 
houses are outside of the forts, but people do not care to occupy 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 45 

them, for fear of being scalped. One of their batteaux usually 
carries sixty bags of flour and three or four men. When 
unloaded, it will carry twelve men." 

Frederick Post's journal, dated Pittsburg, November, 
1758, says: "Just as the council broke up, an Indian 
arrived from Fort Presqu'ile, and gave the following descrip- 
tion of the three upper forts. Presqu'ile has been a strong 
stockaded fort, but is so much out of repair that a strong 
man might pull up any log out of the earth. There are 
two officers and thirty-five men in garrison there, and not 
above ten Indians, which they keep constantly hunting, for 
the support of the garrison. The fort in Le Boeuf River is 
much in the same condition, with an officer and thirty men, 
and a few hunting Indians, who said they would leave them 
in a few days. The fort at Venango is the smallest, and 
has but one officer and twenty-five men, and, like the two 
upper forts, they are much distressed for want of pro- 
visions." 

On the 17th of March, 1759, Thomas Bull, an Indian em- 
ployed as a spy at the Lakes, arrived at Pittsburg. At Pres- 
qu'ile, he stated that the garrison consisted of two officers, 
two merchants, a clerk, priest, and one hundred and three 
soldiers. The commandant's name was Burinol, with whom 
Thomas was formerly acquainted, and who did not suspect 
him. He treated him with great openness, and told him 
thirty towns had engaged to join the French and come to 
war. He saw fifteen hundred billets ready prepared for their 
equipment. He likewise understood that they were just 
ready to set out, and were stopped by belts and speeches sent 
among them by the English, but would decide when a body 
of over-lake Indians would arrive at Kaskaskie. Burinol 
described a conversation he had had with the Mingoes ; that 
he had told them he was sorry one half of them had broken 
away to the English. They replied that they had buried the 
tomahawk with the French ; that they would do the same 
with the English ; and wished that both would fight as they 
had done over the great waters, without disturbing their 
country ; that they wished to live in peace with both, and 
that the English should return home. Burinol replied, that 



46 HISTOKY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

he would go home as soon as the English would move off. 
Thomas Bull described Fort Presqu'ile " as square, with four 
bastions. They have no platforms raised yet ; so they are use- 
less, excepting in each bastion there is a place for a sentinel. 
There are no guns upon the walks, but four four-pounders in 
one of the bastions, not mounted on carriages. The wall is 
only of single logs, with no bank within, a ditch without. 
There are two gates, of equal size, being about ten feet wide : 
one fronts the lake, about three hundred yards distant, the 
other the road to Le Bceuf. The magazine is a stone house 
covered with shingles, and not sunk in the ground, standing 
in the right bastion, next the lake, going from Presqu'ile to 
Le Bceuf. The other houses are of square logs. They have 
in store a considerable quantity of Indian goods, and but 
little flour. Twelve batteaux they were daily expecting from 
Niagara with provisions. No French were expected from 
Niagara, but about five hundred from a fort on the north side 
of the lake, in the Waweailunes country, which is built of 
cedar stockades. The French were to come with the Indians 
before mentioned. There were four batteaux at Presqu'ile, 
and no works carrying on, but one small house in the fort. 
Some of the works are on the decay, and some appear to have 
been lately built." The officers made Thomas a present of a 
pair of stockings, and he went on to Le Bceuf, telling them 
that he was going to Wyoming to see his father. 

Le Boeuf he describes " asof the same plan with Presc^u'lle, 
but very small ; the logs mostly rotten. Platforms are erected 
in the bastion, and loopholes properly cut ; one gun is 
mounted on a bastion and looks down the river. It has only 
one gate, and that faces the side opposite the creek. The 
magazine is on the right of the gate, going in, partly sunk in 
the ground, and above are some casks of powder, to serve the 
Indians. Here are two officers, a storekeeper, clerk, priest, 
and one hundred and fifty soldiers, and, as at Presc^u'ile, the 
men are not employed. They have twenty-four batteaux, and 
a larger stock of provisions than at Presciu'ile. One Le Sam- 
brow is the commandant. The Ohio is clear of ice at 
Venango, and French Creek at Le Boeuf. The road from 
Venango to Le Bceuf is well trodden ; and from thence to 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 47 

Presqu'ile is one half-day's journey, being very low and 
swampy, and bridged most of the way." 

A few months after this time, twelve hundred regular 
troops were collected from Presqu'ile, Detroit, and Venango, 
for the defense of Fort Niagara, which had been besieged by 
the English under Gen. Prideaux. Four days before the con- 
quest, the general was killed by the bursting of a cannon, and 
the command devolved on Sir William Johnson, who carried 
out the plan with judgment and vigor, and the enemy were 
completely routed. The utmost confusion prevailed at Forts 
Venango, Presqu'ile, and Le Boeuf after the victory, particu- 
larly as Sir William sent letters by some of the Indians to the 
commander at Presqu'ile, notifying him that the other posts 
must be given up in a few days. 

August 13, we find that the French at Presqu'ile had sent 
away all their stores, and were waiting for the French at 
Venango and Le Breuf to join them, when they all would set 
out in batteaux for Detroit ; that in an Indian path leading to 
Presqu'ile from a Delaware town, a Frenchman and some 
Indians had been met, with the word that the French had 
left Venango six days before. 

About the same time, three Indians arrived at Fort du 
Quesne from Venango, who reported that the Indians over 
the lake were much displeased with the Six Nations, as they 
had been the means of a number of their people being killed 
at Niagara ; that the French had burned their forts at Ve- 
nango, Le Boiuf, and Presqu'ile, and gone over the lakes. 
At Venango, before leaving, they had made large presents to 
the Indians of laced coats, hats, etc., and had told them, with 
true French bravado, that they were obliged to run away at 
this time, but would certainly be in possession of the river be- 
fore the next spring. They were obliged to burn everything 
and destroy their batteaux, as the water was so low they could 
not get up the creek with them. The report was probably un- 
founded, of the burning of the forts, unless they were very 
soon rebuilt, of which we have no account. 

A tradition has prevailed in Erie, that at this time treasures 
were buried, either on the site of the fort or on the line of the 
old French road. From the above account, we learn that 



48 HISTOKY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

their hasty departure was made by water, and the probability 
is tliat the company returned before winter. Spanisli silver 
coins were found twenty years ago, to the value of sixty 
dollai's, while plowing the old site for the purpose of making 
brick ; but, from appearances, they had been secreted there 
within the present century. The wells have been re-excavated 
time and again, but with no extraordinary results. Pottery 
of a singular kind has been found, and knives, bullets, and 
human bones confirm the statements of history. 

In 1760, ISIajor Rodgers was sent out by government to take 
formal possession for the Enghsh of the forts upon the lake, 
though it was not until 1763 that a definite treaty of peace was 
signed and ratified at Paris. 



CHAPTER IV. 



Pontiac — Destruction of Forts Presqu'ile and Le Boiuf, as described 
by Bancroft, Parkman, and Harvey — Col. Bradstreetat Presqu'ile, 
in 1764 — Col. Bouquet's Treaty — A Detachment of British Soldiers 
and Indians embark at Chautauqua Lake — Hannastoivn burnt — 
Mr. Adams' s Suggestion. 

At Detroit Major Rodgers first naet with the Ottawa chief 
Pontiac, who had the largest empire and the greatest author- 
ity of any chief that had yet appeared in our continent. The 
chief treated him with distant ceremony, and intimated that, 
though the French had been conquered by the English, he 
had not ; but, at the close of the intei'view, they smoked the 
pipe of peace, and afterward he rendered the English good 
service in protecting their stores when passing through savage 
tribes. How he became inimical to the English is not cer- 
tainly known. He may have feared their power, and also felt 
with sadness the absence of French courtesy. Prejudice' 
arose, too, from the ill behavior and oflfensive conduct of 
Irish and other convicts, who had been transported for their 
crimes, and been bought and employed in carrj'ing goods up 
among the Indians. "When the French first arrived," said 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 49 

a Chippewa chief, " they came and kissed us ; they called us 
children, and we found them fathers. We lived like children 
with them in the same lodge. " . . . " If the English did 
us no harm, they also manifested no interest in our affairs. 
They gave us no missionaries, made us no presents ; they even 
would not consent to trade ; and further, they were unjust to 
our friends, the French." 

Mr. Henry, an English ti'aveler, who passed through Can- 
ada and the Indian territories, about 1760, was compelled to 
disguise himself as a Canadian. At one time, when surrounded 
by Indians, he was coolly addressed by a chief in something 
like this strain : " The English are brave men, and not afraid 
of death, since they dare to come thus fearlessly among their 
enemies. You know that the French king is our father. You 
are his enemy ; and how, then, can you have the boldness to 
venture among us his children ? Y''oiv know that his friends 
are our friends." They delighted to extol the jiower of the 
French, and to compare the king to an old man asleep, who 
would shortly arouse himself and execute vengeance upon his 
enemies. They also charged upon the English that, when 
fighting for them, their young men had been slain, and that 
the spirits of the slain had not been satisfied. This, according 
to their custom, could only be effected in one of two Avays — by 
pouring out the blood of the nation by which they fell, or by 
covering the bodies of the dead, and allaying the resentment of 
the relations by presents. The English had never offered them 
presents or treaty, and they must therefore be considered still 
at war with them. But their hearts seemed to soften toward 
Mr. Henry, who came among them unarmed, and they even 
offered him a pipe, as a token of their friendship. 

When Pontiac had formed his plan for restoring to his 
people their homes and hunting grounds, and "had mused 
until the fire burned," he determined to call around him his 
own tribe, the Ottawas, and disclose to them his determination 
to banish forever the proud, unconciliating Englishman. He 
appealed with eloquence and art to their fears, ambition, 
patriotism, and cupidity — the love and gratitude they owed 
to the French, and their hatred of the English. He next con- 
vened a grand council of the neighboring tribes at the River 



50 HISTOKV OF ERIK COUNTY. 

Aux Ecores, and invited them to action, by assuming that 
the Great Spirit had recently made a revelation to a Dela- 
ware Indian as to the conduct he wished his red children to 
pursue. He had directed them to abstain from ardent spirits, 
and to cast from them the manufactures of the white man — 
to resume their bows and arrows, and skins of animals for 
clothing. "Why," said the Great Spirit indignantly to the 
Delaware, " do you suffer these dogs in red clothing to enter 
your country and take the land I gave you? Drive them 
from it, and when you are in distress I will help you." A 
plan of campaign was concerted on the spot, and belts and 
speeches sent to secure the co-operation of the Indians along 
the whole line of the frontier. The Ottawas, Chippewas, and 
Pottawatamies were the most active of the tribes ; the 
Miamies, Sac and Foxes, Monouonomies, Wyandots, Missis- 
sagu^s, Shawnees, Pennsylvania and Ohio Delawares, and the 
Six Nations, participated, and all the British posts, from 
Niagara to Green Bay and the Potomac, were comprehended 
in the attack. So well arranged and executed were their 
plans, that nine out of eleven of the forts were captured. 

Bancroft, in his history of the United States, gives the 
following account of the destruction of Fort Presqu'ile : " The 
fort at Presqu'ile, now Erie, was the point of communication 
between Pittsburg and Niagara and Detroit. It was in itself 
one of the most tenable, and had a garrison of four and twenty 
men, and could most easily be relieved. On the 22d of June, 
after a two-days' defense, the commander, out of his senses 
with terror, capitulated, giving ui> the' sole chance of saving 
his men from the scalp ing-knife. He himself, with a few 
others, were carried in triumph by the Indians to Detroit." 

A more detailed account is found in the "Conspiracy of 
Pontiac," by Parkman. He says: "There had been hot 
fighting before Presqu'ile M^as taken. Could courage have 
saved it, it never would have fallen. The fort stood near the 
present site of Erie, on the southern shore of the lake which 
bears the same name. At one of its angles was a large block- 
house, a species of structure much used in the petty forest 
warfare of the day. It was two stories in height, and solidly 
built of massive timber ; the diameter of the upper story ex- 



HISTORY OF ERIK COUNTY. 51 

ceeding that of the lower by several feet, so that, through the 
openings in the projecting floor of the former, the defenders 
could shoot down upon the heads of an enemy assailing the 
outer wall below. The roof being covered with shingles, 
might easily be set on fire ; but, to guard against this, there 
was an opening, through which the garrison, partially jjro- 
tected by a covering of plank, might pour down the water 
upon the flames. This block-house stood upon a projecting 
point of land, between the lake and a small brook which en- 
tered it nearly at right angles. And now the defenders could 
see the Indians throwing up earth and stones behind oiie of 
the breastworks ; their implacable foes were laboring to under- 
mine the block-house, a sure and insidious expedient, against 
which there was no defense. There was little leisure to reflect 
on this new peril, for another, more imminent and horrit)le, 
soon threatened them. The barrels of water, always kept in 
the block-house, were nearly emptied in extinguishing the 
frequent flres ; and though there was a well in the parade- 
ground, yet to approach it would be certain death. The only 
resource was to dig one in the block-house itself. Tlae floor 
was torn up, and while some of the men fired their heated 
muskets from the loopholes to keep the enemy in check, the 
rest labored with desperate energy at this toilsome and cheer- 
less task. Before it was half completed, the cry of fire was 
again raised, and, at the imminent risk of life, they tore oflF 
the blazing shingles and averted the danger. By this time it 
was evening. The little garrison had fouglit from earliest 
daybreak without a moment's rest. Nor did darkness bring 
relief, for the Indian guns flashed all night» long from the 
intrenchments. Tliey seemed determined to wear out the 
obstinate defenders by fatigue. While some slept, others in 
their turn continued the assault, and morning brought fresh 
dangers. The block-house was fired several times through the 
day, but they kept up their forlorn and desperate defense. 
The house of the commanding officer sank into glowing 
embers. The fire on both sides did not cease till midniglit, at 
which hour a voice was heard in French, calling out that 
further defense was useless, since preparations were made to 
burn above and below at once. Christie demanded if any one 



52 HISTOKY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

spoke English, upon which a man in Indian dress came for- 
ward. He had been made a prisoner in the French war, and 
was now fighting against his own countrymen. He said, if 
they yielded, they would be saved alive ; if not, they would 
be burned. Christie resolved to hold out as long as a shadow 
of hope remained, and while some of the garrison slept, the 
rest watched. They told them to wait until morning. They 
assented, and suspended their fire. When morning came, 
they sent out two persons, on pretense of treating, but in 
reality to learn the trutli of the preparations to burn the 
block-house, whose sides were pierced with bullets and 
scorched with fire. In spite of the capitulations, they were 
surrounded and seized, and, having been detained for some 
time in the neighborhood, were sent as prisoners to Detroit, 
where Ensign Christie soon after made his escape, and gained 
the fort in safety." 

Mr. H. L. Harvey, formerly editor of the Erie Observer, a 
gentleman of research and integrity, in a lecture delivered in 
Erie, introduced the following account of the same event, 
difTering, as will be seen, from both the above-named ac- 
credited historians. He says: "The troops retired to their 
quarters to px'ocure their morning repast ; some had already 
finished, and were sauntering about the fortress or upon the 
shore of the lake. All were joyous in holiday attire, and 
dreaming of nauglit but the pleasure of the occasion. A 
knock was heard at the gate, and three Indians Avere 
announced in hunting garb, desiring an interview with the 
commander. Their tale was soon told. They said they 
belonged to a hunting party, who had started for Niagara 
with a lot of furs ; that their canoes were bad, and they would 
prefer disposing of them here, if they could do so to advan- 
tage, and return, rather than go farther ; that their party were 
encamped by a small stream west of the fort about a mile, 
where they had landed the previous night, and where they 
wished the commander to go and examine their peltries, as it 
was difficult to bring them, and they wished to embark where 
they were, if they did not trade. The commander, accom- 
panied by a clerk, left the fort with the Indians, charging his 
lieutenant that none should leave the fort, and none be ad- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 53 

mitted, until his return. Well would it probably have been 
had this order been obeyed. After the lapse of sufficient time 
for the captain to visit the encampment of the Indians and 
return, a party of the latter, variously estimated — probably 
one hundred and fifty — advanced toward the fort, bearing 
upon their backs what appeared to be large packs of furs, 
which they informed the lieutenant the captain had pur- 
chased and ordered deposited in the fort. The stratagem 
succeeded ; when the party were all within the fort, it was the 
work of an instant to throw off their packs and the short 
cloaks which covered their weapons, the whole being fastened 
by one loop and button at the neck. Resistance at this time 
was useless, and the work of death was as rapid as savage 
strength and weapons could make it. The shortened rifles, 
which had been sawed off for the purpose of concealing them 
under their cloaks and in the packs of furs, were at once 
discharged, and the tomahawk and knife completed their 
work. The history of savage warfare presents not a scene 
of more heartless and bloodthirsty vengeance than was ex- 
hibited on this occasion. The few who were taken prisoners 
in the fort were doomed to the various tortures devised by 
savage ingenuity, and all but two who awoke to celebrate 
that day, had passed to the eternal world. Of these, one was 
a soldier who had gone into the woods near the fort, and on 
his return observing a party of Indians dx'agging away some 
prisoners, escaped, and immediately proceeded to Niagara ; 
the other was a soldier's wife, who had taken shelter in a 
small stone house, at the mouth of the creek, used as a wash- 
house. Here she remained unobserved until near night of 
the fatal day, when she was made their jirisoner, but was 
ultimately ransomed and restored to civilized life. She was 
afterward married, and settled in Canada, where she was 
living at tlie commencement of the present century. Capt. 
D. Dobbins, of the revenue service, has frequently talked with 
the woman, who was redeemed by a Mr. Douglass, living 
opposite Black Rock, in Canada. From what she witnessed, 
and heard from the Indians during her captivity, as well as 
from information derived from other sources, this statement 
is made." 



54 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

About the same time the fort at Le Bo3uf was furiously 
attacked by a large body of Indians, and the block-house fired 
at night. While the enemy believed them consumed, the 
ensign and his seven remaining men effected their escape, by 
means of a secret underground passage, having its outlet in 
the direction *of the swamp adjoining LeBoeufLake. Tra- 
dition says that only one of these reached a civilized settle- 
ment. At Venango, a party of Senecas gained entrance 
by stratagem, and massacred the garrison, after having 
tortured Lieut. Gordon, the commander, for several nights 
over a slow fire. Afterward they fired and consumed the fort. 

It was not the stockaded garrison alone, at this trying 
period, that suffered from the fury of the savages. Through 
the whole West the tomahawk and scalping-knifemade fearful 
havoc. More than one hundred traders were struck down in 
the woods— the husbandman in the field and the child in the 
cradle shared the same unhappy fate. Emigrants were com- 
pelled to leave their homes and planted fields, and l)y toilsome 
journeys seek protection and shelter in distant settlements. 
Nearly five hundred families from the frontiers of Maryland 
and Virginia fied thus to W^inchester, being destitute of every 
comfort. The regions of New York were happily exempted 
from similar outrages, through the infiuence of Sir William 
Johnson. 

On the 12th of August, 1764, Col. Bradstreet and his army 
landed at Presqu'ile, and there met a band of Sliawnees and 
Delawares, who feigned to have come to treat for peace. Col. 
Bradstreet was deceived by them (although his officers were 
not), and marched to Detroit to relieve that garrison. He 
found Pontiac gone, but made peace with the Northwestern 
Indians, in whicli they j^ledged themselves to give up their 
prisoners ; to relinquish their title to the English posts and 
the territory around for the distance of a cannon sliot ; to give 
up all the murderers of white men, to be tried by English 
law ; and to acknowledge the sovereignty of the English gov- 
ernment. Soon he discovered, as the war still raged, that he 
had been duped. He received orders to attack their towns; 
but, mortified and exasperated, liis troops destitute of provi- 
sions and every way dissatisfied, he broke up his camp and 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 55 

returned to Niagara. Col. Boqiiet afterward met the same 
deceptive Shawnees, Delawares, and Seneeas, aiid succeeded 
la bringing them to terms ; so that in twelve days they 
brought in two hundred and six prisoners, and promised all 
that could be found — leaving six hostages as security. The 
next year one hundred more prisoners were brought in, be- 
tween M-hom and the Indians, in many cases, a strong attach- 
ment had sprung up, they accompanying the captives, with 
presents, even to the villages. 

The region west of the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers, jirior to 
the year 1795, was only known as the Indian country. On the 
Canada side of Lake Erie there were a few M'hite settlements. 
On the American side Cherry Valley, New York, was the 
most western settlement, and Pittsburg the nearest settlement 
on the south. 

In the year 1782, a detachment, consisting of three hundred 
British soldiers and five hundred Indians, was sent from 
Canada to Fort Pitt. They had embarked in canoes at Chau- 
tauqua Lake, when information, through their spies, caused 
their project to be abandoned. Parties of Indians harassed the 
settlements on the borders, and under Guyasutha, a Seneca 
chief, attacked and burned the seat of justice for Westmore- 
land Countj', Hannastown, and murdered several of the 
inhabitants. 

In 1785, Mr. Adams, Minister at London, writes to Lord Car- 
marthan, English Secretary of State : " Although a jjeriod of 
three years has elapsed since the signature of the preliminary 
treaty, and more than two years since the definitive treaty, 
the posts of Oswegatchy, Oswego, Niagara, Presqu'ile, San- 
dusky, Detroit, Mackinaw, with others not necessary j^ar- 
ticularly to enumerate, and a consideraljle territory around 
each of them, all within the incontestable limits of the United 
States, are still held by British garrisons to the loss and injury 
of the L^nited States," etc. As we do not hear from any other 
source of the rebuilding of the fort at Presqu'ile or of a garrison 
there, the i)robaI)ility is tliat Mr. Adams only had reference to 
Presqu'ile as au important strategic point. 



CHAPTER V. 

Penn's Charter — Boundaries of Pennsylvania — 3fason and Dixon''s 
Line — Revieiv of said Line by Col. Graham — Western Boundary of 
Pennsylvania fixed in 178G— Boundary between New York and 
Pennsylvania confirmed by Act of Assembly in 17S9 — Pxirchase of 
Triangle, 1791— Anecdote of Mr. William Miles. 

Ix the charter of Charles II. to William Penn, 1681, the first 
section describes the boundary of his grant as " east by 
Delaware River from twelve miles distance northward of New- 
castle town, unto the three-and-fortieth degree of north lati- 
tude, if the said river doth extend so far northward ; but if the 
said river doth not extend so far northward, then by the said 
river so far as it doth extend ; and from the head of the said 
river the eastern bounds are to be determined by a meridian 
line, to be drawn from the head of said river unto the said 43d 
degree. The said land to extend westward 5 degrees in longi- 
tude, to be computed from the said eastern bounds ; and the 
said lands to be bounded on the north by the beginning of the 
three-and-fortieth degree of north latitude, and on the south 
by a circle drawn at 12 miles distance from New Castle north- 
ward and westward unto the beginning of the fortieth degree 
of north latitude, and then by a straight lin? westward to the 
limits of longitude above mentioned." Explicit as this 
description appears, Maryland and Virginia disputed for many 
years, each claiming to itself the whole space or extent of the 
land south of the fortieth degree of latitude. The controversy 
was at length settled in 1732, chiefly in favor of Maryland, 
which rendered the real extent of Pennsylvania one hundred 
and fifty-five miles instead of two hundred and eight, and 
the square miles forty-one thousand, exclusive of the Triangle. 

Lord Baltimore had, in 1683, petitioned King Charles II. 
that no fresh grants of land in the territories of Pennsylvania 
might pass in favor of William Penn until tlie said lord was 
heard in his pretension of right thereto. This petition was 

56 



HISTORY OK EKIK COUNTY. 57 

referred to the committee of trade and plantation, wliicli, after 
many attendances and divers bearings of both parties, made 
their report to King James II., who in 16S5 determined tlie 
affair between them, by ordering a division of the tract of land 
between Delaware and Chesapeake Bays, from the latitude of 
Cape Henlopen to the south boundary of Pennsylvania, in 
two equal parts, of which tlie side of Delaware was assigned 
to the king and Pennsylvania, and the Chesapeake side to 
Baltimore. In 1732, commissioners were appointed both from 
Pennsylvania and Maryland for the actual running, mark- 
ing, and laying out the boundary lines between both the 
province and territories of Pennsylvania and Maryland, 
according to articles of agreement concluded between Charles, 
Lord Baltimore, the proprietary of Maryland, and John, 
Thomas, and Richard Penu, proprietaries of Pennsylvania. 
The boundaries between Pennsylvania and Baltimore were as 
follows : That a due east and west line shall be drawn from 
the ocean, beginning at Cape Henlopen, which lies south of 
Cape Cornelius, upon the eastern side of the peninsula, and 
thence to the western side of the peninsula, which lies upon 
Chesapeake Bay, and as far westward as the exact middle of 
that part of the peninsula wliei'e the said line is run. That 
from the western end of the said east and west line in the 
middle of the peninsula, a straight line shall run northward 
up the said peninsula till it touch the western part of the 
pex-iphery or arc of a circle, drawn twelve English statute 
miles distant from New Castle, westward toward Maryland, so 
to make a tangent thereto, and there the said straight line 
shall end. That from the western end of the last -mentioned 
straight line drawn northward, a line shall be continued due 
north, as far as to that parallel of latitude which is fifteen 
English statute miles due south of the most southern part of 
Philadelphia, and from the north end of the last-mentioned 
north and south line, a line shall be run due west, across the 
Susquehanna River to the western boundary' of Pennsylvania. 
Notwithstanding this agreement, the performance was long 
delayed by disputes of tlie parties about the mode of doing it, 
said to have been occasioned mostly by the proprietary of 
Maryland, in consequence of which the inliabitants on the 



58 HISTOKY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Pennsylvania side, near Mhere the boundary line ought 
long before to have been ascertained and marked out, were 
sometimes exposed to unreasonable demands from ^Maryland 
claims. It was not finally executed until the year 1762, when 
these families or proprietaries agreed to employ two ingenious 
English mathematicians, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, 
after their return from the Cape of Good Hope, wliere they 
had been to observe the transit of Venus, in the year 1761, 
finally to settle and mark out the same, which was accord- 
ingly performed by them. ' 

At the end of every fifth mile they placed a stone graven 
with the arms of the Penns on the one side, and of the Balti- 
more family on the other, marking the intermediate miles 
with smaller stones having " P " on one side and " M " on the 
other. The stones with the arms were all sent from England. 
This was done on the parallel of latitude as far as 
Sideling Hill ; but here all wheel transportation ceasing, in 
1766 the further marking of the lines was the vista of eight 
yards wide, with piles of stones on the crests of all the moun- 
tain ranges, built some eight feet high, as far as the summit of 
the Allegheny, beyond which the line was marked by posts, 
around which stones and earth were thrown the better to 
preserve them. Of these stones, the one which marked the 
northeast corner of Maryland became in the course of time 
undermined by a brook, and was removed and used in a farm- 
house chimney. After this occurrence the Legislatures of 
Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia aj^pointed a joint 
commission for a new survey, and appointed Col. Graham of 
the United States Topograjihical Engineers to superintend the 
work, and review the line of Mason and Dixon as far as might 
be judged necessary. Though their work was corroborated in 
the main, better instruments and a more accurate knowledge 
of the art enabled their successors to detect some errors. By 
their corrections Maryland gained about two acres, and a 

1 After they had surveyed the distance of 2:^ miles, 18 chains, and 21 links 
from the place of beginning, and were at tlie bottom of a valley on Duu- 
kard"s Creek, a branch of the Monongahela, an Indian path crossed tlieir 
route, and their aboriginal escort informed them that it was "the will of 
the Sioux nation that the surveys cease ;"and they terminated accord- 
ingly, leaving 36 miles, 6 chains, and 50 links as the exact distance remain- 
ing to be run west to the southwest angle of Pennsylvania. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 69 

gentleman who had served as a member of the Delaware 
Legislature found his residence located full half a mile within 
the State of Pennsylvania. Thus was established and perfected 
the line, " having no breadth or thickness, but length only," 
which threatens to make " enemies of nations which had else, 
like kindred drops, been mingled into one." 

It is said the survey of Mason and Dixon cost the Penn 
family nearly $100,000 ; and that an arc of the meridian meas- 
ured by them at that time is cited in works of astronomy, 
having been one of the measurements by which the figure of 
the earth was ascertained. Of these two mathematicians, to 
whom political disputes have given a notoriety as lasting as 
the history of our country, Dixon, it is said, was born in a coal 
mine, and returned to his own country, Durham, where he 
died in 1777. Ten years later ISIason died in Pennsylvania. 

It was not until 1786, after many difficulties between the 
States of Pennsylvania and Virginia, that the western bound- 
ary of the former was surveyed by extending Mason and 
Dixon's line five degrees west from the Delaware River, and 
a meridian drawn from the western extremity to the northern 
limit. 

In 1785 commissioners were appointed, on the part of 
Pennsylvania and New York, to ascertain the northern 
boundary of the former from the River Delaware westward to 
the northwest corner. The commissioners first appointed 
were David Rittenhouse on the part of Pennsylvania, and 
Samuel Holland, on the part of New York. They proceeded 
to act in pursuance of that appointment, and in December, 
1786, ascertained and fixed the beginning of the forty-third 
degree of north latitude, erected suitable monuments there at 
and near the River Delaware, but were prevented by the 
inclemency of the weather from proceeding further in the 
survey. The next year Andrew Ellicot was appointed a com- 
missioner for the above purpose, on the part of Pennsylvania, 
and James Clinton and Simeon Dewit on the part of New 
York. In 1787 they completed the running and marking of 
this northern boundary 259 miles and S8 perches from its 
commencement at the Delaware River to its termination in 
Lake Erie, five or six miles east of the Ohio State line, and 



60 HISTOKY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

marked the whole distance throughout hy milestones, each 
one indicating the number of miles from the Delaware River. 
In addition to these stones there are also mile-trees marked in 
the same manner. In 1789 an act of Assembly confirmed the 
acts of the commissioners, and established the line run by 
them as the boundary between New York and Pennsylvania. 
The Indians being recognized as owners of the soil, the 
whole was purchased from them by different treaties : one at 
Fort Stanwix, now Rome, extinguished their title to the lands 
of Western Pennsylvania and New York, excepting the 
Triangle or Presqu'ile lands, which were accidentally left out 
of Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and 
Virginia, and were supposed at different times to belong to 
each. Gen. Irvine discovered, while surveying the donation 
lands, that Pennsylvania had but a few miles of lake coast, 
and not any harbor, and in consequence of his representa- 
tions, the State of Pennsylvania made propositions for its 
purchase to Phelps and Gorham, the reputed owners in the 
year 1788. At their request the United States government 
sent out the Surveyor-General, Andrew Ellicot, for the pur- 
pose of running and establishing lines. Mr. Frederick Sax- 
ton, on behalf of Phelps and Gorham, accompanied Mr. 
Ellicot. As the line was to commence at the west end of 
Lake Ontario, there was some hesitation whether the western 
extremity of Burlington Bay or the peninsula separating the 
bay from the lake Mas intended. It was finally fixed at the 
peninsula, and by first running south, and then offsetting 
ai'ound the east end of Lake Erie, the line was found to pass 
twenty miles east of Presqu'ile. This line, as it was found to 
comply with the New York charter, being twenty miles west 
of the most westerly bend of the Niagara River, became the 
western boundary of the State of New York between Lake 
Erie and the old north line of Pennsylvania, and the east line 
of the track known as the Presqu'ile Triangle, which was 
(^afterward purchased bj' Pennsylvania of the United States. 
The Massachusetts charter, in 1785, comprehended the same 
release that New York had given, and that of Connecticut 
wliich retained a reservation of one hundred and twenty 
miles lying west of Pennsylvania's western boundary. Ou 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 61 

the 6th of June, 1788, tlie board of treasury was induced to 
make a contract for the sale of this tract described as bounded 
"on tlie east by New York, on tlie south by Pennsylvania, 
and on the north and west by Lake Erie." On the 4th of 
September, it was resolved by Congress "that the United 
States do relinquish and transfer to Pennsylvania all their 
right, title, and claim to the government and jurisdiction of 
said land forever, and it is declared and made known that the 
laws and public acts of Pennsylvania shall extend over every 
l^art of said tract, as if the said tract had originally been 
within the charter bounds of said State." By an act of the 
2d of October, 1788, the sum of £1200 was appropriated to 
purchase the Indian title to the tract, in fulfillment of the 
contract to sell it to Pennsylvania. At the treaty of Fort 
Harmer, on the 9th of January, 1789, Cornplanter and other 
chiefs of the Six Nations signed a deed, in consideration of 
the sum of £1200, ceding the Presqu'ile lands of the United 
States to be vested in the State of Pennsylvania, and on the 
13th of April, 1791, the Governor was authorized to complete 
the purchase from the United States, which, according to a 
communication from him to the Legislature, was accom- 
plished in March, 1792 j and the consideration — amounting to 
$151,640.25 — paid in continental certificates of various de- 
scriptions. A draft annexed to the deed of the Triangle 
shows it to contain two hundred and two thousand one hun- 
dred and eighty-seven acresr. 

An amusing anecdote, relating to the period of these sur- 
veys, is mentioned in " Pennsj'lvania Historical Collections :" 
" When Mr. William Miles set off with a corps of survej^ors 
for laying out the donation lands, the baggage, instruments, 
etc., were placed in two canoes. Fifteen miles above Pittsburg, 
at the last white man's cabin on the river, the party stopped 
to refresh themselves, leaving the canoes in the care of the 
Indians. On returning to the river, all was gone — canoes and 
Indians had all disappeared. Mr. Miles asked if any one had 
a map of the river. One was fortunately found, and by it they 
discovered the river had a great bend just where they were. 
Their compass was gone, but, by means of Indian signs, mosses 
on trees, etc., they found their way out above the bend, 



62 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

secreted themselves in the bushes, and waited for the canoes 
to come up, which happened very soon. "When the old chief 
found he had been detected, he coolly feigned ignorance and 
innocence, and, stepping out of the canoe with a smile, greeted 
the surveyors with ' How do ?' ' How do ?'" 



CHAPTEE YI. 



Arrangevfients for the Settlement of the Triangle — Pemisylvania 
Population Company — Act to lay out a town at PresquHle ; after- 
ward repealed — Block-house at Le Boeuf— Indian Murders — Gov. 
Mifflin to the President — Attorney-General Bradford'' s Opinion — 
Ransoni's Deposition — Letters of Capt. Denny — Andreio Ellicot 
and Gen. Chapin — Joseph Brandt — Gornplanter — A Present of 
Land — Treaty of Peace at Canandaigua. 

Pennsylvania formed and adopted her Constitution Sep- 
tember 2d, 1790. The State had adopted the Constitution of 
the United States and become a member of the Union Decem- 
bei* 12th, 1787. In 1790, a committee, composed of Timothy 
Matlack, Samuel McClay, and John Adlum, Esqs., was 
appointed by Gov. Mifflin to examine the western rivers of 
the State ; to proceed up the western branch to Cinnamahon- 
ing, and thence to any creek that might discharge itself into 
ttie Allegheny nearest the mouth of French Creek, and thence 
examine French Creek up to Le Boeuf, and the portage to 
Presqu'ile. They were also to examine and explore any nearer 
and more convenient communication which might be effected, 
by land or water, with Lake Erie, and to return down the 
Allegheny and examine the same from the mouth of French 
Creek to the Kiskiminetas. . . . As a result of this exami- 
nation, in 1791, even before the completion of the purchase of 
the huge cantle, or Triangle, an act passed the Legislatui-e of 
Pennsylvania to open and improve navigable waters and roads, 
and included an expenditure of £100 for French Creek from its 
mouth on the Allegheny up to the road leading therefrom to 
Presqu'ile. 

In 1793, on the 8th of March, the Pennsylvania Population 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 63 

Company was formed for purposes set forth in their articles. 
The managers were John Nicholson, John Field, Theophilus 
Casenove, and Aaron Burr, Esqs. The following provisional 
plan of settlement was agreed upon : 

"Whereas the said company have purchased considerable 
bodies of land in Pennsylvania, on the waters of Beaver 
Creek and Lake Erie ; and whereas there is some prospect 
of a speedy termination of the Indian war, and the company 
are desirous of encouraging the settlement of these lands, as 
well for their own interests as for the following considerations, 
viz. : — 

" 1st. For promoting the interests of the State, by increasing 
the population thereof. 

**2d. For establishing a barrier along the extremity, so that 
all the other unsettled parts of Pennsylvania, being within the 
same, may be settled with greater rapidity, etc. 

"3d. To encourage the industrious inhabitants, who may 
encounter the difficulties always attending first settlements, 
by liberal grants of land. 

" Under the influence of these motives, the society aforesaid, 
by their president and managers, ofler as follows, viz. : 

" 1st. To the first ten families who may settle on their lands 
on the waters of Beaver Creek, one hundred and fifty acres 
each. 

"2d. To the first twenty families on the waters of French 
Creek, one hundred and fifty acres each. 

"3d. To the first twenty families on Lake Erie territory, 
one hundred and fifty acres each. 

" 4th. To the next twenty families (after the first ten) who 
shall so settle on the waters of Beaver Creek, one hundred 
acres each. 

"oth. To the next forty families (after the first twenty) who 
shall so settle on the waters of French Creek, one hundred 
acres each. 

" 6th.- To the next forty families (after the first twenty) who 
shall so settle on the lands of the company in the Lake Erie 
territory, one hundred acres each. 

"7th. That such settlement be made on such parts of the 
lands of the company as settlers may choose. The parties 



64 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

respectively so settling shall have their several deeds for the 
land after two years' residence thereon, and having also 
cleared at least ten acres thereof, and erected a comfortable 
dwelling-house ; in case they, or any of them, should be driven 
off by the Indians, no part of the aforesaid two years shall be 
deemed to run during the time tliey shall be so expelled; and in 
case of their leaving the lands before they receive their deeds, 
no title shall vest in them, their heirs and assignees, unless 
they procure the residence of their assigns in like manner as 
required of themselves, and in case of death, their successors to 
reside in like manner. 

"8th. That tlie company will sell thirty thousand acres of 
land to actual settlers, not exceeding three hundred acres 
each, and those only at one dollar, paid at the choice of the 
purchasers, payable one third in two years without interest, 
and one third the next year, with one year's interest, and 
the residuary third in the succeeding year, with two years' 
interest. 

"9th. That the surveys be made under the direction of the 
company, tlie expense of the surveys to be paid by the grantee 
or purchaser. 

" By order of the Board. 

"J. W. KiCHOLSON." 

A month after the formation of this company, an act passed 
the Legislature for laying out a town at Presqu'ile, " in order 
to facilitate and promote the progress of settlement within the 
commonwealth, and to afford additional security to the fron- 
tiers thereof." 

Gov. Mifflin transmitted to the President of the United 
States a copy of this act, apprehending the difficulties which 
soon manifested themselves. Prior to this he had sent to Capt. 
Denny a commission, appointing him captain of the Allegheny 
company, and instructing him to engage four sergeants, four 
corporals, one drummer and fifer, two buglers, and sixty-five 
rank and file, or privates, and to stipulate with the men to 
remain longer than the apj)ointed eight months, should the 
state of the war require it. Early in the month of May, 
Messrs. Irvine, Ellicot, and Gallatin were to engage in laying 
out the town, with Capt. Denny's company to protect and 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 65 

defend them. For the same object, a post had been estab- 
lished at Le Boeuf, two miles below the site of the old fort, 
and all persons employed by government were particularly 
cautioned against giving offense to the English or British 
garrisons in that quarter. A letter from Gen.Wilkins, at 
Fort Franklin, to Clement Biddle, quartermaster-general of 
Pennsylvania, informs us of his arrival, with forty of Capt. 
Denny's men and thirty volunteers from the county of Alle- 
gheny, and that the news was not favorable toward an estab- 
lishment at Pi'esqu'ile. Those most conversant with the 
Indians were of the opinion that they were irritated by the 
British, and meditated an opposition to the government, and 
that the question of peace or Avar depended upon a council 
then convened at Buflfalo Creek. To this council Cornplanter, 
and other Indians on the Allegheny River, had been invited ; 
and as the English had summoned it, the prospect was not 
favorable for peace. He also adds that it is his intention to 
proceed to Cassawago, and should a serious opposition seem 
to be meditated by the Indians, he would proceed no farther 
with the stores, until reinforced by more men and enabled to 
establish himself at Le Boeuf. He also mentions the very low 
water as a serious impediment. In a letter addressed to A. J. 
Dallas, he says : " The English are fixed in their opposition 
to the opening of the road to Presqu'ile, and are determined 
to send a number of English and Indians to cut them off, 
The chief Cornplanter communicated the same thing to the 
commanding officer at Franklin. To heighten the excitement, 
a friendly Indian was murdered by a dissolute man, named 
Robertson. The Indians were very much incensed that the 
murderer was not given up to them, and fears were entertained 
that some innocent person would be made to suffer in his 
place. 'The English,' said they, * always promise to punish 
crimes, but have never done it.' The father of Robertson sent 
for John Nicholson to endeavor to appease the Indians, which 
he effected by calling a council, and offering one hundred 
dollars to replace, in an Indian waj', the man that was dead." 
May 24th, Gov. Mifflin applied to the President to order one 
thousand militia from the western brigades, for the purpose of 
supporting the commissioners, who were authorized to lay out 



66 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the town. The brigade inspectors ofWestmoreland, Washing- 
ton, Allegheny, and Fayette accordingly made a draft for that 
number, to co-operate with Capt. Denny's detachment, under 
the command of Gen. Wilkins. The citizens of northwestern 
Pennsylvania urged on improvements, and the President, 
fearful of giving offense to the Indians, advised to a temporary 
cessation. Gov. Mifflin, in writing to the Secretary of War, 
says: "Some old grievances, alleged to have been suffered 
from the Union, the inflammatory speech of Lord Dorchester, 
the constant machinations of British agents, and the cor- 
ruption of the British tribes, had, in truth, previously excited 
that hostile disposition, which you seem to consider the effect 
of the measures pursued by Pennsylvania for establishing a 
town at Presqu'ile I desire to be clearly under- 
stood, that, on my part, no assent is given to any proposition 
that shall bring in doubt or controversy the rights of the 
States. . . . At the same time I am anxious to promote 
the views of the general government, and to avoid increasing 
the dissatisfaction of the Six Nations, or in any manner ex- 
tending the sphere of Indian hostflities." The bounty offered 
to settlers by the Population Company was limited to those 
who should actually inhabit and reside in the town before the 
first of January, 1794 ; the time was consequently extended to 
May 1st, 1795, by an act of the Legislature. Capt. Denny also 
had orders to proceed no farther with his detachment than Le 
Boeuf, where, under the direction of Brigadier-General Wil- 
kins, two small block-houses had been erected for the protec- 
tion of the commissioners. 

Attorney-General Bradford having been written to by the 
Secretary of War as to tlie constitutionality of raising four 
companies of troops " for the jjort of Philadelphia and the de- 
fense of the frontiers," replied as fo flows : " There is nothing 
in the Constitution, I apprehend, which prohibits the several 
States ft'om keeping troops in time of tear. If peace shall be 
made with the Indians, and the United States be engaged in 
no other war, these troops cannot be constitutionally kept up 
in Pennsylvania, although the war should continue to rage in 
Europe." 

Some particulars of interest relating to the Indian difficul- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 67 

ties in this region will be found in tlie following deposition 
and letters : 

Deposition of D. Hansom. 

Allegheny County, ss. 

" Personally appeared before me, John Gibson, one of the 
Associate Judges of the above county, Daniel Kansoni, who, 
being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that he, this deponent, 
hath for some time past traded at Fort Franklin with the 
Senecas and other Indians, and that a chief of the Senecas, 
named Tiawoncas, or Broken Twig, came tliere and informed 
him the time would soon be bad, and advised him to move off 
his family and effects. On this he, this deponent, asked him 
how he knew the time would soon be bad. The Indian then 
informed him that the British and Indians had sent a belt of 
wampum to him, inviting him to council at Buffalo Creek ; 
that he had declined going, and that the messengers then in- 
formed him of the intended plans of the Indians ; they said 
that the Cornplanter had been bought by the British, and had 
joined them ; that he (the Cornplanter) intended soon to 
come to Fort Franklin, on pretense of liolding a council 
respecting the Indian who was killed by Robertson ; that 
then the British and Indians were to land at Presqu'ile, and 
there form a junction with Cornplanter on French Creek, and 
were then to clear it, by killing all the people and taking all 
the posts on it ; that he was so much affected as to shed tears, 
and said, ' What shall I do ? I have been at war against the 
Western Indians, in company with Cap. Jeffers, and killed 
and scalped one of them. If I now go back to the Indians, 
after having discovered this, they will kill me.' He also in- 
formed this deponent that a number of cannon had been pur- 
chased by the British, and collected at Jurisadagoe, the town 
where Cornplanter lives, for the purpose of conveying the 
Indians down the river. 

*' He, this deponent, further saith, that the Standing Stone, 
a chief of the Onondagoes, also informed him, at Fort Frank- 
lin, that he thought the times would soon be bad, and pressed 
him very much to leave Fort Franklin, and assisted him in 
packing up his goods, etc. ; tliat from what he had heard and 
seen from other Indians, he has every reason to believe the 



68 HISTORY OF KRIE COUNTY. 

above account to be true ; that seven white men came down 
the Allegheny, a few days ago, to Fort Franklin, who in- 
formed him, they saw the above-mentioned cannon at Jurisa- 
dagoe ; and the Indians appeared very surly, and had not 
planted any corn on the river at their towns. 

" Sworn and subscribed at Pittsburg, this 11th June, 1794." 

A letter from Capt. Denny, dated Fort Franklin, June 14, 
1794, says : 

"Sir: — I have the honor of acknowledging your two 
letters, dated the 9th and 11th inst. After receiving the first, 
we concluded it would be best to proceed upon our march. 
"We arrived here the day before yesterday, all well. The 
account of Ransom's people being killed was too true, but by 
what nation of Indians is doubtful. Mr. EUicot and Mr. 
Wilkins have written and sent two runners from Cornplanter, 
and they have requested me to wait the return of the express. 
When they arrive you shall be informed of the success of the 
message. I am suspicious the old fellow will not show him- 
self. The fact is, that the Indians about here, from twenty 
downward, have been exceedingly insolent, treated the 
officers, the fort, and every person about it, with the utmost 
contempt ; but since our arrival they have altered their tune. 
So says Lieut. Polhemus and Dr. McCi'ay. We have written 
to Le Boeuf and given the officers there a caution. The day 
after to-morrow the runner is to be back. Van Horn and 
Bales, the two men who brought your last letter, saw one 
Indian on the plain, about twenty miles this side of Pittsburg, 
and the trace of six or seven." 

A second letter, dated June 16, says : 

"Yours, inclosing a copy of Polhemus, came yesterday. 
The Cornplanter's nephew arrived from the town about the 
same time. He delivered a long speech from his uncle to 
Lieut. Polhemus. LTpon summing up the whole, we have not 
a shadow of doubt but that a plan was formed to destroy all 
the posts and settlements in this quarter. It was all done 
upon the strength of the prospect of a war between the 

British and . That subsiding, the other, I am in hopes, 

has also done so. There is no doubt but the English will urge 



HISTORY OF ERIK COUNTY. 69 

them to join the Western Indians, and have done everything 
possible, and perhaj^s a few may ; but I rather think that, 
unless we have a war with them, Ave'll have none with the Six 
Nations generally. The Cornplanter has gone to another 
council at Buffalo ; he set out at the same time the nephew 
started for this place, and will return in about ten days. He 
says he is very sorry for the mischief done lately, and is ex- 
tremely concerned at the account given of their going to take 
up the hatchet. Says they were bad men that reported it ; 
that it's a lie ; and insists upon knowing whom the informa- 
tion came from, as it is evident that a stroke was meditated, 
but now perhaps dropped. Every apology which he can 
possibly make won't be sufficient to clear him of the imputa- 
tion of a traitor. Some of the nation say the English have 
bought O'Beil. "We shall spend two days to come in helping 
Mr. Polhemus to put his garrison in some state of defense ; 
for should anything happen it, we should fare the worse 
above." 

ANDREW ELLICOT TO GOV. MIFFLIN. 

" June 29, Fort Le Bceuf. 
"Dear Sir: — In my last letter to you from Pittsburg I 
mentioned that you might expect to hear from me, both from 
Fort Franklin and Le Boeuf ; but from a variety of circum- 
stances no opportunity occurred of writing at first. On my 
arrival there, the place appeared to be in so defenseless a 
situation that, with the concurrence of Capt. Denny and the 
officer commanding at the fort, Ave remained there some time, 
and employed the troojDS in rendering it more tenable. It 
may now be considered as defensible, provided the number of 
men is increased. The garrison at present consists of twenty- 
five men, one half of whom are unfit for duty, and it is my 
opinion that double that number would not be more than suffi- 
cient, considering the importance of the safety of the settle- 
ment on French Creek. At Fort Franklin, Gen. Wilkins and 
myself wrote to Cornplanter to attend there, that we might 
have an opportunity of explaining to him the nature of our 
business, and of obviating any difficulties that might arise in 
our proceedings. However, he did not come as we expected, 
having gone some days before to a council of the Six Nations 



70 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

at Buffalo. With this letter you will receive a copy of their 
message, presented by Geii. Chapiu and Mr. Johnson to Capt. 
Denny and myself, with our reply to the same. I leave to 
yourself to consider the propriety of a British agent attending 
a considerable number of Indians, with a superintendent of 
Indian affairs of the United States to order the people of Penn- 
sylvania to remove from those lands which have been ceded to 
them by treaty, by the king of Great Britain, and since 
that time regularly purchased from the Six Nations, and 
punctually paid for. After repairing Fort Franklin, we pro- 
ceeded to this jslace, and are now beginning to strengthen the 
works here, so as to render it a safe deposit for military and 
other stores ; and in doing which, agreeable to instructions, 
economy shall be strictly attended to. The line described by 
the Indians on the map will take from the State of Pennsyl- 
vania the Cassawago settlement (Meadville), being part of the 
purchase of 17S4, and the whole of the purchase of 1788. But 
with respect to this claim they can be serious only so far as 
encouraged by the British agents and the countenance shown 
them by the late interference of the United States. The objec- 
tion made by Mr. Brandt to Gen. Chapin, that the establish- 
ment at Presqu'ile would cut off the communication between 
the Six Nations and the Western hostile Indians, and thereby 
diminish their joint strength, is the strongest argument that 
can be urged in favor of that establishment. Gen. Chapin 
and myself are of the opinion that all differences between the 
State of Pennsylvania and the Six Nations might be accom- 
modated by treaty, which treaty ought not to be held in the 
neighborhood of any British post, the United States, and this 
State at present, and that Presqu'ile is the most eligible place 
for such a treaty. Gen. Chapin, I presume, has communicated 
his sentiments to Gen. Knox on this subject. Standing Stone, 
a chief resident at Conyat, has informed us, since we arrived 
at this place, that the late mischief on the Allegheny River 
and Venango path was done by a party of eight warriors from 
Huron River, which falls into Lake Erie about twenty-six 
miles above Cuyahoga. One of his brothers saw them on their 
way to commit these depredations. Those Indians are only to 
be chastised by way of the lakes, but it is neither the interest 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 71 

of the British, Brandt, iior the other agents to have them 
punished — it is the interest of the United States ; and yet the 
United States, by directing a suspension of the business at 
Presqu'ile, have taken effectual measures for tlie security of 
this nest of murderers, whose cruelties have for some years 
past been severely felt by the citizens of this State. You must 
recollect that I always had my doubts respecting the fulfill- 
ment of the contract for opening the navigation of French 
Creek, and a road from Le Boeuf to Presqu'ile, and agreeable 
to my expectations, have hitherto not been able to discover 
anything done in that business. For the further security of 
the frontiers of tliis State, it would be necessary to erect two 
block-houses on the Venango path, between Fort Pitt and 
Venango, and a third between Venango and this place. At 
present. Mead's settlement appears to me the most proper 
situation. 

" I am, with great respect, your real friend, 

"Andrew Ellicot." 

GEN. CHAPIN'S LETTER TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 

" Fort Le Bceuf, June 26th, 1794. 
"I left Canandaigua on the thirteenth of this month, in 
order to attend a council at Buffalo Creek, I waited more 
than a week after my first notification for my son to return, 
that I might have an answer from you ; but the chief growing 
impatient, kept constantly sending runners, and I was obliged 
to set out at last, to my great disappointment, without having 
received any information from you. On my arrival I found 
the minds of the Indians much agitated with regard to the 
movements made by the State of Pennsylvania. On the 
eighteenth I met the Indians in general council, the proceed- 
ings of which you see here inclosed. At this council I 
was requested to go to Presqu'ile (as you will see by their 
speech), to desire those people to move off who had made 
encroachments on their lands. I found that no excuse could 
answer, and was finally obliged to comply with their request. 
On the nineteenth I left Buffalo Creek, accompanied by a 
delegation from the Six Nations, consisting of sixteen chiefs 
and warriors. I arrived at Presqu'ile ou the twenty-fourth. 



72 HISTORY OF KRIE COUNTY. 

but finding no person there, proceeded to Le Bceuf, where I 
found ]\Ir. Ellicot and Capt. Denny. After informing those 
gentlemen of the business I came upon, I gave them a copy 
of the speecli which had been delivered me at Buffalo Creek. 
The answer which they made I send you, inclosed with the 
other speeches. Although the minds of the Six Nations are 
much disturbed at the injuries which they say they have 
sustained, they are still opposed to war, and wish, if possible, 
to live in peace with the United States. They are much 
opposed to the establishing of garrisons in this quarter, as they 
think it will involve them in war with the hostile Indians. 
They are likewise displeased with having their lands surveyed, 
which they say were not legally purchased. In this critical 
situation, would it not be best to have commissioners 
appointed to treat with the Six Nations, that all difficulties 
may be settled which subsist between them and the United 
States, especially those that regard the State of Pennsylvania? 
And it is the wish of the Six Nations that this treaty should 
be held at their council fire at Buflfalo Creek. I shall return 
by Buffalo Creek," etc., etc. 

A rumor prevailed that a large body of Indians, assisted by 
the British, had been seen crossing the lake, the others de- 
scending the Allegheny ; that their object was to take Fort 
Franklin, destroy the settlement at Cassawago, and make an 
establishment at Presqu'ile. 

Capt. Denny removed to Venango with his men, and 
ordered the brigades to be ready to be called out should the 
reports appear well founded. 

Three men on their way to Pittsburg, of the names of Wal- 
lace, Power, and Van Tickler, were overpowered by the 
Indians. A party sent out by Lieut. Polhemus found them 
shot, scalped, and tomahawked. ^ 

Joseph Brandt, in a letter to the British authorities, dated 
July 19, 1794, says: ''In regard to the Presqu'ile business, 
should we not get an answer at the time limited, it is our 
business to push those fellows, and therefore it is my intention 

1 This statement is made on the authority of a public record, but is not 
true. The name is Van yiclile. Mr. Jas. Van Siclile, a grandson, residing 
at Albion, Erie County, says his grandfather was taken up for dead, but re- 
covered and lived for "many years. 



HISTOKV OF ERIE COUNTY. 73 

to form my camp at Point Api^ineau (a few miles above Fort 
Erie) ; and I would esteem it a favor if his Excellency the 
Lieutenant-Governor would lend me four or five batteaux. 
Should it so turn out, and should those fellows not go off, and 
O'Beil (Cornplanter) continue in the same opinion, an expe- 
dition against those Yankees must of consequence take place. 
His Excellency has been so good as to furnish us with a 
hundredweight of powder, and ball in proportion, which is 
now at Fort Erie ; but in the event of an attack upon Le 
Boeuf people, I could wish, if consistent, tliat his Excellency 
would order a like quantity in addition to be at Fort Erie, in 
order to be in readiness ; likewise I Avould hope for a little 
assistance in provisions." 

At Buffalo Creek, June 18th, at a council of the Six Nations, 
Gen. Chapin was addressed by O'Beil, or Cornplanter, in sub- 
stance as follows : — " That they depended upon the Americans 
to do all in their power to assist them ; they wished Col. 
Johnson, British agent (who slyly prompted them), and Gen. 
Chapin to remove back over the line which they had laid 
out. This line began at O'Beil's town, and in a direct line 
crossed French Creek, just below Meade's, and on the head of 
the Cuyahoga ; from thence to the Muskingum, and down the 
Ohio and to its mouth, and up the Mississippi ; leaving a small 
squai'e for a trading house at the mouth of the rivers, and one 
where Clarksville now stands. If this removal was attended 
to immediately, they should consider them friends ; if not, 
they must be considered enemies." Mr. EUicot and Capt. 
Denny desired an interval of an hour to prepare an answer ; 
at the expiration of which they replied as follows : " By the 
peace of 1782 the king of Great Britain ceded all the lands of 
Pennsylvania which they claim, but froni regard to justice 
they desired to fairly purchase it from the Six Nations — the 
real owners of the soil. The purchase north of the north 
boundary of Pennsylvania, west of the Conawango River, 
Lake Chautauqua, and the path leading from thence to Lake 
Erie, and south of said lake, was made of your chiefs at Fort 
Harmer (by Gens. Butler and Gibson,) and the money and 
goods punctually paid them. They had also sold those lands 
to such people as chose to settle and work them, and it was 



74 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

their duty to protect them from depredations. Their military- 
preparations were intended as a defense from hostile Western 
Indians, not supposing they needed any from the Six Nations, 
whom they considered their friends and allies. They could 
not consistently with their duty remove froin the lands they 
had purchased, unless directed to do so by the great council of 
the people, to whom they would immediately send their 
message. They had been ordered by the great council of 
Pennsj'lvania to their present post, and they could not move 
from thence until orders came for that purpose." 

At another conference, held at the same place, the Indians 
maintained that "they had decided upon their boundaries, 
and wished for nothing but justice (forgetting their former 
contract) ; they wanted room for their children ; it would be 
hard for them not to have a country to live in when they 
were gone. Congress and their commissioners had often 
deceived them, and if these difficulties were not removed, the 
consequences would be bad. A number of their warriors 
were missing, and they supposed they had been killed by 
the Americans. Big Tree was one of the number, and a 
nephew of theirs (a Delaware) ; and it had been customary to 
make satisfaction (to pay a sum of money), which had not 
been done. If a garrison were established at Presqu'ile, the 
Southern Indians might do injury, and the Six Nations be 
blamed for it." Gen. Chapin replied that he was bound to 
look to the interests of both the Indians and the United 
States, and would accede to their wish, which was to accom- 
pany ten of their warriors and two chiefs to Presqu'ile, and to 
send their message immediately to the President. 

They made the journey to Presqu'ile by water, and finding 
no one there (from fear of the Indians), they proceeded on 
foot to Le Boeuf, where they made known their business, 
which was to see the surveyors and forbid their running lines. 
They were informed that they had shortly before left the 
country by way of the river, and assurances were given them 
that the whole matter should be laid before the President. 
On their return to Buffalo Creek another council was held, 
when Cornplanter again insisted that their former request 
should be granted ; they were determined the line should 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 75 

remain, Capt. Brandt, a Seneca, the year before, at a council, 
claimed the same line, the Muskingum. Where lands were 
actually settled and improved they were to be circumscribed 
by a line drawn around them, and no claim admitted beyond 
such line. He added : " They must not suspect that any 
other nation corrupted their minds ; the only thing that cor- 
rupted their minds was not to grant their request. There was 
but one word said that they liked at Le Boeuf, that was the 
gift of some land to O'Beil ; and to complete his wishes, he 
desired they would give all the Six Nations land." 

This refers to Mr. Ellicot, relating the particulars concern- 
ing the treaty at Fort Harmer, and informing the Indians 
that the State of Pennsylvania had made these grants of land 
to Capt. O'Beil. This present to Cornplanter w^as at the sug- 
gestion of Gen. Richard Butler, who had been witness to his 
usefulness in all the treaties since 1784. [He mentions that it 
would be good policy to secure the chief's attachment ; and 
that his ideas of civilization would make the present grate- 
ful — that it could be made in such a manner as not to excite 
the jealousy of his own people, and wishes for the quiet and 
interest of the State, as well as the merit of the man, had 
prompted him in the liberty he was assuming.] 

Gen. Chapin replied to Brandt that he hoped the Indians 
tv^ould " sit easy on their seats until they heard Gen. Washing- 
ton's voice," and that he would forward their speech to him 
immediately. 

In reply to this, the President appointed a conference at 
Canandaigua in October, for the purpose of establishing a 
firm and permanent friendship with the Six Nations, and 
appointed Timothy Pickering sole agent for this purpose. 
Cornplanter was charged by his people at their council " with 
having been bribed in the sale of Presqu'ile, and that he and 
little Billy received $2,000 at Fort Harmer, and a like sum at 
Philadelphia" ; but these and all other difficulties were 
amicably settled. A large tract of land west of the Phelps 
and Gorham purchase in New York was reserved to them, 
with $14,500 in goods ; and fifty-nine sachems signed a treaty 
of perpetual peace and friendship with the United States. 



CHAPTER VII. 

^71 Act to lay out the Towns of Erie, Waterford, Frayiklin, and 
Warren — To Protract the Enlistment of Troops at Le Bcetif — 
Deposition of Tho. Rees, Esq. — Actual Settlers — Memorial to the 
Population Company — Deacon Chamberlain'' s Story — Cax>t. Mar- 
tin Strong to Wm. Nicholson, Esq. — Louis Philippe at Mr. Pees^s 
— Murder of Rutledge and his Son — Mr. Augustus Porter^ s Visit 
— Mr. Judah CoWs MS. Autobiography — Nmnber of White Set- 
tlers on the Lakes west of Genesee River — Oeyi. Wayne's Death at 
Presqu'ile, 1796. 

All difficulties being removed, April 18th, 1795, an act 
passed the Legislature to lay out a town at Presqu'ile, at the 
mouth of French Creek, at the mouth of Conewango Creek, 
and at Le Boeuf — being the towns of Erie, Franklin, Warren, 
and Waterford. 

Two commissioners were appointed by the Governor to 
survey at Presqu'ile sixteen hundred acres for town lots, and 
thirty-four hundred adjoining for out lots (the three sections 
of about a mile each, only one half of which is now occupied), 
to be laid out into town lots and out lots ; the streets not less 
than sixty feet in width, nor more than one hundred ; no 
town lots to contain more than one third of an acre ; no out 
lot more than five acres ; and the reservation for public uses 
not to exceed in the whole twenty acres. After the com- 
missioners had returned the surveys into the office of the 
secretary, the governor was to offer at auction one third of the 
town lots and one third of the out lots, upon the following con- 
ditions : that within two years one house be built at least 
sixteen feet square, with at least one stone or brick chimney. 
Patents were not to be issued till the same was performed, and 
all payments to be forfeited to the commonwealth in case of 
failure. (This condition was afterward repealed.) Exclusive 
of the survey of in lots and out lots, sixty acres were reserved 
on the southern side of the harbor of Presqu'ile for the accom- 

7fi 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 77 

modatiou of the United States, in the erection of necessary 
forts, magazines, dock-yards, etc.; thirty acres to be on the 
bank, and the remainder below, com^jrehending the point at 
the entrance of the harbor ; and upon the peninsula thirty 
acres at the entrance of the harbor, and one other lot of one 
hundred acres. The situation and forms of these lots were to 
be fixed by the commissioners and an engineer employed by 
the United States. Andrew Ellicot had previously surveyed 
and laid out Waterford, and an act was now passed to survey 
these five hundred acres for out lots, to reserve for public uses 
not more than ten acres, and to give actual settlers the right 
of pre-emption. 

At this time, also, provision was made to protract the enlist- 
ment of troops at Le Boeuf, not to exceed one hundred and 
thirty for the term of eight months. These were to protect 
and assist the commissioners, surveyors, etc.; and if occur- 
rences should take place which, in the opinion of the Gover- 
nor, should make a greater force requisite than the aforesaid, 
or Indian hostilities continue, and a defense be requisite for 
the western frontier, a complete company of expert rifiemen 
might be raised. 

Thomas Rees, Esq., for more than half a century a citizen of 
Erie County, made a deposition in 1806, which contains much 
information in a concise form. It is as follows: "Thomas 
Rees, of Harbor Creek Township, in Erie Countj', farmer, 
being sworn according to law, doth depose and say, as follows : 
I was appointed deputy survej-or of District No. 1, north 
and west of the Rivers Ohio, Allegheny, and Connewango 
Creek, now Erie County, in May, 1792, and opened an office 
in Northumberland County, which was the adjoining. The 
reason of this was, all accounts from the country north and 
west of the Rivers Ohio, Allegheny, and Connewango Creek, 
represented it as dangerous to go into that country. In the 
latter part of said year I received 390 warrants, the property of 
the Penn. Pojiulation Company, for land situated in the 
Triangle, and entered them the same year in my book of 
entries. In 179.3 I made an attempt to go ; went to the mouth 
of Buffalo Creek to inquire of the Indians there whether they 
would permit me to go into my district to make surveys. 



78 HISTORY OF KRIE COUNTY. 

They refused, and added that if I went into the country I 
would be killed. At the same time I received information 
from different quarters which prevented me from going that 
year. In 1794 I went into District No. 1, now Erie County, 
and made surveys on the 390 warrants mentioned above, in 
the Triangle, except one or two for which no lands could be 
found. Among the surveys made on the warrants above men- 
tioned, was that on the warrant in the name of John IMc- 
Cullough. Before I had completed I was frequently alarmed 
by hearing of the Indians killing persons on the Allegheny 
River, in consequence of which, as soon as the surveys were 
completed, I removed from the country and went to Franklin, 
where I was informed that there were a number of Indians 
belonging to the Six Nations going to Le Boeuf, to order the 
troops off that ground. I immediately returned to Le Boeuf. 
The Indians had left that place one day before I arrived there. 
I was told by Major Denny, then commanding at that place, 
that the Indians had brought Gen. Chapin, the Indian agent, 
with them to Le Bojuf ; that they were very much displeased, 
and told him not to build a garrison at Presqu'ile. 

" There were no improvements made, nor any persons living 
on any tract of land within my district during the year 1794. 
In the year 1795, I went into the country and took a number 
of men with me. We kept in a body, as there appeared to be 
great danger, and continued so for that season. There was no 
work done of any consequence, nor was any person, to my 
knowledge, residing on any tract within my district. In the 
course of the summer the commissioners came on to lay out 
the town of Erie, with a company of men to guard them. 
There were two persons killed within one mile of Presqu'ile, 
and others in different parts of the country ; such were the 
fears that though some did occasionally venture out to view 
tlie lands, many would not. We all laid under the protection 
of the troops. 

" I sold, as agent of the Pennsylvania Population Company, 
during that season, 79,700 acres of land, of which 7,1.50 acres 
were a gratuity. The above quantity of land was applied for 
and sold to two hundred persons. That fall we left the 
country. In the spring of 1796 a considerable number of 



HISTORY OF ERIK COUNTY. 79 

people came out into the country, and numbers went to the 
farms that they had purchased from the Population Company. 
The settlements during this year were very small. 

"The latter part of this year, the opposition commenced 
against the Population Company on the waters of Elk and 

Conneaut Creeks, by an association under the title of , 

which impeded considerably the progress of the settlements 
under the Population Company. In the latter part of the 
month of May or the beginning of June, 1797, a second asso- 
ciation made its appearance in opposition to the title of the 
Population Company on the waters of French Creek, near the 

New York State line, under the title of ■. ; and another 

on the northeast corner of the Triangle ; and were active in 
their opposition to the claims of the Population Company, 
and to the exertions of its agents for the improvement and 
settlement of the country. . . . They took great pains to 
impress upon the minds of persons who came into the 
country with the intention of settling in it, that the Popula- 
tion Company had no title to the lands which they claimed, 
and induced all over whom they could gain any influence to 
settle and claim in opposition to the Population Company." 

Compromises were afterward effected with many of the 
actual settlers, and their course was not unjustifiable until 
after the decisions of the courts. To show the ground taken 
V>y them I have inserted the following article: "Memorial 

of to the Pennsylvania Population Company, March 4, 

1799. Agreeable to the encouragement held out to settlers in 
the western part of the County of Allegheny, I moved in the 
year 1795 within sixteen miles of Presqu'ile, on Lake Erie. I 
entered into an article of agreement with a number of persons 
in Northumberland County, previous to my moving to 
Presqu'ile ; the purport of the article was that I was to go 
and purchase or improve lands in that county, and that they 
were to share equal with me in all purchases or improvements 
that I should make. 

" One very great encouragement to my going tliere was that 
the Pennsylvania Population Company published in different 
parts of Pennsylvania, offering, as an encouragement to the 
first settlers that would go, one hundred and fifty acres of 



80 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

land, valued at one dollar per acre, to each of the first settlers, 
with the remainder to make up a tract of four hundred acres ; 
which remaining part was to be bought. And in order to 
give greater encouragement to settlers, the State of Pennsyl- 
vania offered, in a law passed in the year 1792, land at seven 
pounds ten shillings per one hundred acres, and ten years to 
pay it. Under these prospects I moved to that county, being 
one of the first settlers. The law then existing provided that 
an office would be opened in each district, wliich was not the 
case M^lien I moved there ; but I went and applied to Thomas 
Rees, who was agent for tlie Pennsylvania Population Com- 
pany, and district surveyor, as I had the land improved. 
Before my applying to Rees, I mentioned if the land belonged 
to the comx:)any I would comply with their terms, and if the 
land belonged to the State of Pennsylvania I would comply 
with the terms the State held out to settlers. Finding no 
surveys made I believed the land belonged to the State, and 
improved upon it with these intentions, as being the proper 
person who should hold it by virtue of my improvements. I 
applied to Mr. Rees, district surveyor, and he entered my 
name in a book kept for that purpose as a claimant for so 
much land, and gave me a certificate for those lands, and had 
them surveyed, and I paid him five dollars for each tract, for 
surveying. 

"After I had lived two years peaceably upon the land, 
without meeting with any opposition whatever, the agent for 
the company came out and requested of me to know how I 
wished or intended to hold the land. I answered, that I in- 
tended holding it upon the same principles that I made my 
applications in 1795. He then asked me for the privilege of 
building a vessel and storehouse upon my tract of land. I 
told him that there were more jjersons concerned in this land 
than myself, and if I granted any privilege of that kind, he 
must consider that I did not intend him to hold any right of 
any kind to the tract of land by making these improvements ; 
and upon these conditions I granted him liberty to build the 
vessel and storehouse. Afterward in my absence he took 
possession of a mill-seat upon the same tract, and engaged the 
millwright I had verbally engaged to build a mill upon the 



HISTORY OP ERIE COUNTY. 81 

same seat, and gave them possession. On my return, finding 
he had abused those privileges I had granted him, I went and 
discliarged the millwrights and ship carpenters." 

Deacon Hinds Chamberlain, of Le Roy, New York, in com- 
pany with Jesse Beach and Reuben Heath, journeyed to 
Presqu'ile in 1795. Deacon Chamberlain describes the tour as 
follows : "We saw one white man, named Poudery, at Tona- 
wanda village. At the mouth of Buffalo Creek there was but 
one M'hite man, named Winne, an Indian trader. His build- 
ing stood just as you descend from the high ground (near 
where the Mansion House now stands, corner of Main and 
Exchange Streets). He had rum, whisky, Indian knives, 
trinkets, etc. His house was full of Indians, and they looked 
at us with a good deal of curiosity. We had but a poor 
night's rest — the Indians were in and out all night getting 
liquor. The next day we went up the beach of the lake to 
the mouth of Cattaraugus Creek, where we encamped ; a wolf 
came dowai near our camp, and deer were quite abundant. In 
the morning went up to the Indian village ; found ' Black 
Joe's ' house, but he was absent. He had, however, seen our 
tracks upon the beach of the lake, and hurried home to see 
what white people were traversing the wilderness. The 
Indians stared at us ; Joe gave us a room where we should 
not be annoyed by Indian curiosity, and we stayed with him 
over night. All he had to spare us in the way of food was 
some dried venison ; he had liquor, Indian goods, and bought 
furs. Joe treated us with so much civility that we remained 
until near noon. There were at least one hundred Indians 
and squaws gathered to see us. Among the rest there were 
sitting in Joe's house, an old squaw and a young, delicate- 
looking white girl dressed like a squaw. I endeavored to find 
out something about her history, but could not. She seemed 
inclined not to be noticed, and had apparently lost the use of 
our language. With an Indian guide provided by Joe we 
started upon the Indian trail for Presqu'ile. 

"Wayne was then fighting the Indians, and our guide often 
pointed to the West, saying, ' bad Indians there.' Between 
Cattaraugus and Erie I shot a black snake, a racer, with a 
white ring around his neck. He was in a tree twelve feet 



82 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

from the ground, his body wound around it, and measured 
seven feet and tliree inclies. 

"At Presqu'ile (Erie) we found neither whites nor Indians — 
all was solitary. There were some old French brielv buildings, 
(why did they make bricks, surrounded as they were b^' stone 
and timber?) wells, block-houses, etc., going to decay, and 
eight or ten acres of cleared land. On the peninsula there 
was an old brick house forty or fifty feet square. The penin- 
sula was covered with cranberries. 

" After staying there one night we went over to Le Boeuf, 
about sixteen miles distant, pursuing an old French road. 
Trees had grown up in it, but the track was distinct. Near 
Le Bceuf we came upon a company of men who were cutting 
out the road to Presqu'ile — a part of them were soldiers and a 
part Pennsylvanians. At Le Boeuf there was a garrison of 
soldiers — about one hundred. There were several white fami- 
lies there, and a store of goods. Myself and companions 
were in pursuit of land. By a law of Pennsylvania, such as 
built a log-house and cleared a few acres acquired a presump- 
tive right — the right to purchase at Ave dollars per hundi'ed 
acres. We each of us made a location near Presqu'ile. On 
our return to Presqu'ile from Le Boeuf, we found there Col. 
Seth Reed and his family. They had just arrived. We 
stopped and helloed him build some huts ; set up crotches, 
laid poles across, and covered them with the bark' of the 
cucumber-tree. At first the Colonel had no floors ; afterward 
he indulged in the luxury of floors made by laying down 
strips of bark. James Baggs and Giles Sisson came on with 
Col. Beed. I remained for a considerable time in his employ. 
It was not long before eight or ten other families came in.' 

" On our return we again stayed at BufTalo over night with 
Winne. There was at the time a great gathering of hunting 
parties of Indians there. Winne took from them all their 
knives and tomahawksj and then selling them liquor, tliey 
had a great carousal." 

Capt. Martin Strong, in a letter to William Nicholson, Esq., 
dated Waterford, January 8, 1855, says : "I came to Presqu'- 

1 This is double tlie number given in the article by Capt. Strong, whose 
testimony from the circumstances ought to have the preference. 



HISTORY OF KRIE COUNTY. 83 

ile the last of July, 1795. A few days previous to this, a com- 
pany of United States troops had commenced felling the 
timber on Garrison Hill, for the purpose of erecting a stock- 
ade garrison ; also a corps of engineers had arrived, headed by 
Gen. Ellicot, escorted by a company of Pennsylvania militia 
commanded by Capt. John Grubb, to lay out the town of 
Erie. 

"We all were in some degree under martial law, the two 
Rutledges having been shot a few days before (as was reported 
by the Indians) near the site of the present Lake Shore rail- 
road depot. Thomas Rees, Esq., and Col. Seth Reed and 
family (the only family in the Triangle) were living in tents 
and booths of bark, with plenty of good refreshment for all 
itinerants that chose to call, many of whom wece drawn here 
from motives of curiosity and speculation. Most of the land 
along the lake was sold this summer at one dollar per acre, 
subject to actual settlement. We were then in Allegheny 
County. . . . Le Bceuf had a small stockade garrison of 
forty men, located on the site of the old French fort ; a few 
remains of the old entrenchment were then visible. In 1795 
there were but four families residing in what is now Erie 
County. These were of the names of Reed, Talmage, Miles, 
and Baird. The first mill built in the Triangle was at the 
mouth of Walnut Creek ; there were two others built about 
the same time in what is now Erie County : one by William 
Miles, on the north branch of French Creek, now Union ; the 
other by William Culbertson, at the inlet of Conneauttee 
Lake, near Edinboi'o. 

" Half a century ago the winters were more regular, and 
snows deeper than in late years, and I think are become 
more favorable for vegetation." 

When Mr. Rees was living in his tent on the bank of the 
lake, " with i)lenty of good refreshment for all itinerants that 
chose to call," he was honored witli a royal visitor. Louis 
Philippe, his younger brother, and an attendant, spent a day 
or two with him, to refresh and rest themselves in their 
travels. After expressing themselves delighted with the 
lake scenery, they proceeded on their journey, Mr. Rees pro- 
viding them with an Indian guide to Canandaigua. The 



84 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

brother, who was delicate and engrossed much of the care of 
the others, was suspected of being the Dauphin, but it proved 
otherwise. 

The two persons spolien of by Esquire Rees and Capt. 
Strong, "as having been killed by the Indians, as was 
reported," were a father and son, who were rather prominent 
actual settlers. The site of the City Mills, near the "Lake 
Shore Depot," was for a long time known as " Rutledge's 
grave," and was the terror of the ignorant and superstitious. 
The elder Rutledge was dead when found, the son scalped and 
also shot, but still alive, and placed against a tree. He was 
attended by Dr. Kennedy, a skillful physician, of Meadville, 
but survived only a short time. A rumor was current at the 
time that these murders were committed by white men dis- 
guised as Indians ; but no evidence admissible in a court of 
justice was adduced. Several suits brought by the Population 
Company against the actual settlers turned ujion this point, 
namely, that the company had been prevented from settling 
their lands by the enemies of the United States, the purchas- 
ers considering it unsafe to bring their families out, or even 
themselves to be away from the protection of the fort. The 
murders were certainly fortunate, financially, for the Popul- 
ation Company, as under the most favorable circumstances 
they could not have brought out fifty thousand families in the 
two years alloted them. Had it not been for these depreda- 
tions, the company must have forfeited their lands. 

The respectability of the managers would not allow us for a 
moment to entertain such thoughts ; and when we consider 
the strong inducements the actual settlers had for ferreting 
out the iniquity, their whole property in many cases being at 
stake, we must conclude that the murderers were what they 
ajjpeared to be — Indians. 

In the "Holland Purchase" we find an account of a visit of 
Augustus Porter, of Niagara Falls, made to Presqu'ile with 
Judah Colt, in 1795. He says : "At that time, all that part of the 
State lying west of Phelps and Gorham's purchase was occu- 
pied by Indians, their title not yet being extinguished. There 
was of course no road leading from Buffalo eastward except an 
Indian trail, and no settleiuent whatever on that trail. We 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 85 

traveled on horseback from Canawagas (Avon) to Buffalo, and 
were two days in performing the journey. At Buffalo there 
lived a man of the name of Johnstone, the British Indian 
interpreter, also a Dutchman and his family by the name of 
Middaugh, and an Indian trader by the name of Winne. 

" From Buffalo we proceeded to Chippewa, Upper Canada, 
where we found Capt. William Lee with a small rowboat 
about to start for Presqu'ile and waiting only for assistance to 
row the boat. Mr. Colt, Mr. Joshua Fairbanks, now of Lewis- 
ton, and myself joined him. Two days of hard rowing 
brought us to that place, where we found surveyors engaged 
in laying out the village now called Erie. Also a military 
company under the command of Gen. Irvine, ordered there by 
the Governor of the State to protect the surveyors against the 
Indians. Col. Seth Reed (father of Rufus S. Reed) was there 
with his family, living in a marqu6e, having just arrived. A 
Mr. Rees was also there, acting as agent for the Population 
Company. We returned in the same boat to Chippewa, and 
from thence on horseback by way of Queenstown, on the 
Indian trail through Tonawanda Indian village to Canan- 
daigua. 

"During this expedition from Buffalo to Erie, a very 
remarkable circumstance presented itself, the like of which I 
had never before seen, nor have I since witnessed. Before 
starting from Buffalo we had been detained there two days by 
a heavy fall of rain, accompanied by a strong northeast gale. 
When off Cattaraugus Creek on our upward passage, about one 
or two miles from land, we discovered, some distance ahead, a 
white strip on the surface of the lake, extending out from the 
shore as far as we could see. On approaching this white strip, 
we found it to be some five or six rods wide, its whole surface 
covered with fish of all the varieties common to the lake, 
lying on their sides as if dead. On touching them, however, 
they would dart below the surface, but immediately rise 
again to their former position. We commenced taking 
them by hand, making our selection of the best ; and 
finding them perfectly sound, we took in a good number. On 
reaching Erie we had some of them cooked, and found them 
excellent. The position of these fishes on their sides in the 



86 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

water placed their mouths j)artly above and partly below the 
surface, so that they seemed to be inhaling both water and air; 
for at such effort at inhaling, bubbles would rise and float on 
the water. It was these bubbles that caused the white ap- 
pearance on the lake's surface. I have sujoposed these fish 
had, from some cause growing out of the extraordinary agita- 
tion of the lake by the gale from the eastward, and the sudden 
reflux of water from west to east after it had subsided, been 
thrown together in this way, and from some unknown natural 
cause had lost the power of regulating their specific gravity, 
which it is said they do by means of an airbladder furnished 
them by nature. I leave others, however, to explain this 
phenomenon." 

Mr. Judah Colt, in a manuscript autobiography, says : "In 
August, 1795, Augustus Porter and myself set out from Canan- 
daigua for Presqu'ile, for the purpose of purchasing lands — 
went on horseback to Niagara, where we left our horses and 
took passage with Cajit. Wm. Lee in a small shallop to Pres- 
qu'ile. On our arrival there we found a number of men 
encamped in that quarter. The United States troops were 
erecting a fort. Gen. William Irvine and Andrew EUicot, 
State Commissioners, were laying out the town of Erie, and 
had in their service about one hundred militia troops. We 
purchased and took certificates of four hundred acres of land 
each — made but a short stay, and returned the way we came. 
The season was extremely dry and warm. We suffered 
much from heat, drought, and mosquitoes. Shortly after my 
return I was taken sick with bilious fever, which reduced me 
very low." 

The next March, Mr. Colt being in Philadelphia, made an 
offer to the Population Company of one dollar per acre for 
thirty thousand acres of land off the east end of the Triangle ; 
they declined selling in so large a body, but contracted with 
him to be their agent at a salary of fifteen hundred dollars per 
year, and all expenses paid by them. Powers of attorney and 
letters were made out, maps of the country were furnished, 
and money advanced to purchase provisions, hire labor, etc. 
In the month of April he set out for the Geneseo country ; at 
New York laid in stores of provisions, sundry kinds of goods, 



HISTORV OF ERIE COUNTY. 87 

farming and cooking utensils such as are generally wanted in 
a new country. They were shijiped to Albany, thence across 
the portage in wagons, from thence in batteaux up the Mohawk 
River and through the lakes to Presqu'ile. On their arrival 
at Oswego, they were stopped by the British garrison there, 
and only an empty boat allowed to pass to Niagara and 
obtain of Gov. Simcoe permission to proceed with their load- 
ing. Shortly after this they were informed of the treaty being 
ratified by Congress, which M'as made by Mr. Jay W'ith the 
British government, and which had been for some time under 
consideration. 

Mr. Colt says: "I arrived myself at the town of Erie on 
the 22d of June, and my boats with the provisions the 1st of 
July following, and shortly after proceeded to business. I 
erected my tent or marquee near the old French garrison, and 
continued to reside there through the summer. There was a 
captain's command stationed at this village, in a garrison laid 
out and builded in the summer of 1795. In August I rode 
down to Pittsburg, and attended a vendue for the sale of parts 
of the Erie Reserve ; visited the agent who had the superin- 
tendence of a portion of the company's lands on the waters of 
the Beaver ; found the country new, with but few inhabitants ; 
roads bad, and accommodations poor ; encamped at night, and 
tied my horse head and foot. The journey was very fatiguing, 
owing to the dry and warm season. Returned to Erie in 
safety, and in September went on horseback, principally 
alone, through the wilderness to Canandaigua. After making 
a short visit to my family, returned to Erie, Avhere I continued 
the business of my agency until the 1st of November. During 
the season met with considerable ojoposition from adverse 
settlers. After arranging the affairs of the company for the 
winter, and leaving the agency in the care of Elisha and 
Enoch Marvin, we set out again for Philadelphia (by way of 
Canandaigua) on the 4th of November, and after about two 
weeks of hard labor, and running much danger of losing our- 
selves, we arrived with our boat at the mouth of Genesee 
River," etc. 

It is said all the white inhabitants west of this river, on the 
lakes, were those in the garrison of Niagara ; two families at 



88 HISTOBY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Lewiston ; a British Indian interpreter, two Indian traders, 
and one family at Buffalo ; a few settlers and a garrison at 
Presqu'ile ; a party of New England surveyors with two 
families at Conneaut, Ohio ; one family at Cleveland ; a 
French trader at Sandusky, and the settlement at Detroit. 

The first settlers in Erie County were mostly, as in the case 
ofs the Eeeds, Colts, Strongs, Judsons, etc., from moral, 
thrifty, intelhgent New England ; or, like the Mileses, Vin- 
cents, Kings, Hamiltons, etc., perhaps a more numerous class, 
of the illustrious, historic race of Scotch-Irish — "memorable 
for their devotion to liberty and religion, and ever ready to 
die upon the battle-field in the defense of the one, or to burn 
at the stake as a testimony for the other." 

The following touching story, which we have condensed, is 
found in the Chardon Gazette. Those who emigrate from New 
England to Ohio in these days (about 1830) when thirty-five 
steamboats plow the waters of Lake Erie, and hundreds of 
white sails are spread to the breeze, and pride themselves on 
their enterprise and self-denial, would do well to consider a 
case of real endurance and privation which occurred on the 
Beserve in 1796. 

Between Utica and the French settlenaent on the River 
Raisin, there were not half a dozen white families, when we 
except a few scattering infant settlements in Western New 
York, and the military post at Presqu'ile. ]Mr. K., the father 
of one of these families at Conneaut, had important business 
with the Connecticut Land Company, and was compelled to 
make the journey before winter. His family had subsisted on 
provisions brought from New York, with fish and game, and 
it was supposed a sufficiency was in store until his return. 
The oldest male member of the family, a boy of fifteen, 
having been placed in charge, he took his departure. Oh his 
return to Buffalo the winter had fully set in, the snow being 
two and a half feet deep. His absence had already. been pro- 
longed — the family might be in a starving condition, and 
there seemed to be no alternative but to venture into the 
wilderness. Having loaded his horse with such necessaries as 
could be procured for his family, he pursued his course on foot, 
followina: the beach of the lake. At an Indian settlement on 



HISTORY OK ERIE COUNTY. 89 

the Cattaraugus he employed a guide, Seneca Billy, as the pro- 
jecting bluffs prevented his following longer the shore. After 
camping out several nights on the snow, he reached Presqu'ile 
and dismissed his guide. Here he purchased a bag of corn, 
paying for it three dollars per bushel, and set out for home on 
the ice. At a fire spring near the mouth of Elk Creek, the 
horse broke through, and was so injured as to be of no further 
use, and taking his corn upon his back he reached home the 
same day. But it was only to consummate his grief, for the 
family were nearly in a famishing condition. An infant 
being deprived of its natural nourishment by the low diet of 
the mother, slowly expired of starvation. The Connecticut 
Company having a small store of provisions for the surveyors 
at Cleveland, Mr. K. made a journey there on foot, and re- 
turned with a barrel of salt beef. This, with the assistance of 
the man who related the story, he conveyed home on a hand- 
sled. 

A circumstance worthy of note occurred in Erie, December 
15, 1796, which was the death of Gen. Anthony "Wayne at 
the garrison. For six years the Indians northwest of the 
Ohio, consisting of the Delaware, Shawnee, Miami, and other 
tribes had greatly annoyed the United States, being instigated 
by Great Britain. A peace was finally negotiated by our 
Minister, Mr. Jay, and Lord Greenville, and signed at Green- 
ville in 1795. As the English were dispirited by the brilliant 
achievements of Gen. Wayne, and the Indians had lost confi- 
dence in them, and withdrawn their assistance, the terms of 
the treaty were advantageous to the United States, and the 
peace establishment proved permanent. Gen. Wayne, on his 
return home, was everyrv'here welcomed as the savior of his 
country ; at Philadelphia all business was suspended, the 
streets festooned with evergreens and flowers, and all classes 
participated in the general joy. 

The next year (1796) Gen. Wayne received an appointment 
from Government to conclude a treaty Avith the ISTorthwestern 
Indians, and having accomiilished this arduous task, em- 
barked at Detroit, in the sloop Detroit, for the purpose of re- 
turning to his home in Chester County. Soon after leaving port 
he was violently attacked by his old malady, the gout, and the 



90 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

usual remedy, brandy, through an oversight of the steward, 
not being at hand, he became very much prostrated, and in 
this condition was landed at Erie. As there was no resident 
physician of any repute. Dr. J. C. Wallace, a skillful surgeon 
of the army, then at Pittsburg, was sent for with the greatest 
dispatch, but on arriving at Franklin, met a messenger with 
the news of his death. 

When Gen. Wayne was brought into the garrison, he ex- 
pressed a wish to be placed in the northwest block-house, the 
attics of the block-houses being comfortably fitted up and 
occupied by the families connected with the garrison. Capt. 
Russel Bissell probably had command at the time, and it is 
said the illustrious sufferer met with every possible kindness. 

A fit death-bed and silent resting-place for a brave officer and 
patriot was the old military post of Presquile and its pictur- 
esque bay. He named the spot for his grave at the foot of the 
flagstaff". "A. W." on a single stone was placed at the head, 
and a neat railing inclosed it. 

The remains were removed in 1S09 by a son, Col. Isaac 
Wayne, of Chester County, and deposited in Radnor church- 
yard (St. David's Episcopal Church) which is fourteen miles 
west of Philadelphia. Dr. J. C. Wallace superintended the 
disinterment of the body, which was found in a remarkable 
state of preservation. 

On a monument erected by the Pennsylvania Society of the 
Cincinnati is found the following : " Major-General Anthony 
Wayne was born at Waynesboro, in Chester County, Penn- 
sylvania, in 1745. After a life of honor and usefulness, he 
died in December, 1796, at Erie, Pennsylvania, then a miUtary 
post on Lake Erie, Commander-in-chief of the Army of the 
United States. His military achievements are consecrated in 
the histoxy of his countrymen. His remains are here de- 
posited." 



CHAPTEE VIII. 

Erie County from 1785 — Organization in 1803 — Its Geography, etc. — 
Original Townships — Changes — Extent of Townships and Popula- 
tion — Population decennially from 1800 — Census Items — Vote of 
1808 and 1860 — Receipts and Expenditures do. — Extract from 
Auditor-OeneraV s Report — Post-offices in 1830, 1856, 1860 — List of 
Judges — Members of Congress — State Senate — Representatives — 

Prothonotaries — Register and Recorders — Sheriffs Coroners 

First Section incorporated — Courthouses — Act for Public Landing 
— Borough Charter altered in 1833 — Canal Basin — Peninsula — 
Poor-house — Several Acts — Government changed to that of a City — 
Present Population and Business — List of Burgesses and Mayors 
Collectors of Customs — Postmasters in Erie. 

We find Erie County, or rather that part south of the 
"Triangle," included in Westmoreland County by act of 
April 8, 1785. It reads as follows : " That all the land within 
the late purchase from the Indians, not heretofore assigned to 
any other particular county, shall be taken and deemed, and 
they are hereby declared, to be within the limits of the 
Counties of Northumberland and Westmoreland, and that 
from the Kittanning up the Allegheny, to the mouth of Cone- 
wango Creek, and from thence up said creek to the northern 
line of this State, shall be the line between Northumberland 
and Westmoreland Counties in the aforesaid late purchase." 

September 24, 1788, we find the northwestern part of the 
State, being parts of Westmoreland and Washington Counties, 
constituting the new County of " Allegheny," with Pittsburg 
for the, seat of justice. 

March 12, 1800, the Triangle having been purchased and 
added in 1792, Erie County was erected into a separate county, 
and Erie designated as the place of holding courts of justice. 
At the same time, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Warren, and 
Erie were constituted temporarily one county, with all county 
privileges, called Crawford, Meadville being the seat of justice. 

91 



92 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



April 2, 1803, Erie County was organized for all judicial 
purposes ; this took place at the house of George Buehler, on 
the corner of Third and French Streets. [This house is still 
standing, though in ruins, and has been known for many 
years as the " McConkey House." In 1813 it was Duncan's 
and Perry's headquarters ; next the house was kept by Thomas 
Rees, Jr., and lastly by James McConkey.] 




McConkey House, 1861. 

Judge Jesse Moore held the first court. 

Erie County is 36 miles in length and 20 in breadth, with an 
area of 720 square miles, or 460,800 acres ; its central latitude is 
42° north, and longitude 3° west. 

Its principal stx'eams are Four Mile, Six Mile, Twelve Mile, 
Sixteen and Twenty Mile Creeks ; west it has Walnut Creek, 
Trout Run, Elk, Raccoon, and Crooked Creeks. Mill Creek 
empties into the lake within the city limits. French and Le 
Boeuf Creeks empty into the Allegheny River. Conneaut 
Creek flows through the southwestern part, and also, for a 
short distance, Conneauttee. 

These streams afford abundant water power for manufactur- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 93 

ing purposes ; and while the valleys and rivers are sometimes 
wild and picture-like, as at Elk, Walnut and Twenty Mile 
Creeks, the broken and unproductive acres in Erie County are 
few indeed. 

It has three small beautiful lakes : Conneauttee, in Wash- 
ington township ; Le Boeuf, in Waterford ; and Pleasant, in 
Venango toAvnship. 

The dividing ridge which crosses from southwest to north- 
east (particularly described elsewhere) marks a striking dis- 
tinction in the county on each side. The bank of the lake at 
Erie and in the vicinity is about sixty feet in height, and the 
surface rises gently from ten to twelve miles back, which is 
the summit of the level between the waters of the lake and 
the Allegheny River. The southern portion produces ex- 
cellent grass, but is not fertile in grain ; the northern, sloping 
to the lake is well adapted to wheat. One hundred bushels of 
corn, 30 bushels of wheat, 35 bushels of rye, 60 bushels of 
barley, 50 bushels of rape, and 500 bushels of potatoes have 
been raised to the acre. 

The original townships were sixteen in number, namely : 
Mill Creek, Harbor Creek, Northeast, Greenfield, Venango, 
Brokenstraw, Union, Le Boeuf, Waterford, Conneauttee, 
McKean, Beaverdam, Elk Creek, Conneaut, Springfield, and 
Fairview. Brokenstraw, in 1820, was changed to Wayne and 
Concord. Amity was taken from Union in 1826. Girard was 
set off from Springfield and Fairview in 1832, and received 
its name from Stephen Gii'ard, who had large tracts of land 
in the neighborhood. Washington was changed from Con- 
neauttee in 1834 ; Greene from Beaverdam in 1840 ; Franklin 
was formed of parts of McKean, Washington, Fairview, and 
Elk Creek in 1844 ; and Summit, of Greene and McKean in 
1854. 

In 1800 the population of Erie County was 1468 ; in 1810, 
1358 ; in 1820, 8553 ; in 1830, 17,041 ; in 1840, 31,344 ; in 1850, 
38,742 ; and in 1860, 49,697. From 1840 to 1850 the increase in 
Erie was nearly 100 per cent. 

In 1850 the cash value of farms was $4,782,858, and of farm- 
ing implements and machinery, $294,726. The number of 
horses, 7014 ; of milch cows, 16,575 ; of sheep, 66,705 ; of swine, 



94 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 95 

15,417 ; and the value of live stock, $1,070,519. The quantity 
of wheat raised in 1850 was 147,825 bushels ; of rye, 10,203 ; of 
Indian corn, 433,692 ; of oats, 433,765 ; of tobacco, 8,000 
pounds ; of wool, 179,103 ; of peas and beans, 3,141 bushels ; of 
potatoes, 171,855; of sweet potatoes, 170 bushels; of barley, 
42,352; of hay, 69,422 tons ; clover seed, 1,720 bushels; grass, 
1,253; hops, 1,260; flax, 3,729; flax seed, 860; buckwheat, 
27,272 ; orchard products, 17,327 ; 129 gallons of wine were 
made, 252,843 pounds of butter, 754,452 of cheese, 333,748 
pounds of maple sugar, 1,875 gallons of molasses, 23,239 of 
beeswax and honey. The value of home manufactures was 
estimated at $28,581. 

In 1860 the farms in the county numbered 4,474 ; manufac- 
turing establishments, 383 ; dwellings, 9,759, The amount of 
property subject to tax, fixed by revenue commissioners in 
March, 1860, was $4,475,857. 

In 1808 the full vote of the county for Governor was 589 ; 
345 for Simon Snyder, and 244 for James Ross, Federalist. 
Erie and Mill Creek polled 156 votes. 

In 1860 the vote for Governor was 8082 — for Andrew G. 
Curtin, Republican, 5,613 ; for Henry D. Foster, Democrat, 
2,469. One month later, the whole vote for President was 
8,798—6,160 for Lincoln, 2,531 fusion, 90 for Bell, and 17 for 
Douglas. 

In the report of the Auditor-General of Pennsylvania for 
the year 1860, are the following items relating to Erie County : 

Tax on real and personal estate S 11,006 91 

Tavern licenses 315 00 

Retailers' licenses 2,090 02 

Brokers' licenses 228 00 

Theater, circus, etc., licenses 76 00 

Distillery and brewery licenses 254 28 

Billiard room, bowling saloon, etc., licenses 105 00 

Eating-house, beer-house, and restaurant licenses 671 00 

Patent medicine license 67 00 

Pamphlet laws 19 00 

Militia tax 10 61 

Millers" tax 65 10 

Tax on writs, wills, deeds, etc 513 30 

Tax on foreign insurance agencies 200 00 

Common schools 3,514 44 

Abatement of the State tax 536 84 

Value of real and personal estate 4,475,857 00 

Assessment of tax 11,501 42 

Population 49,697 00 

Taxables 11,335 00 



96 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



Post-offices and Postmasters in Erie County in 1830. 

Beaverdam Samuel Smith. 

Elk Creek Joseph Wells. 

Erie James Hughes. 

Fairview W. W. Warner. 

Gray's Settlement Amos Graves, Jr. 

Greenfield Elijah J. Woodruff. 

Harbor Creek Daniel Goodwin. 

Liexington David Sawdy. 

Northeast las. Smedley. 

Northville Orrin Wyllys. 

Phillipsville James Phillips. 

Springfield X Roads J. P. Wood worth. 

Union Mills William Miles. 

Waterford Joseph Derrickson. 

Wattsburg Levi Wilcox. 

Wesley ville Almond Fuller. 

Post-offices in Erie County, July 1, 1S56, and the revenue in 1855, shoiving the 
business importance of every town. The figures at the right hand show the 
net revenue of the office to the Department ; left hand column the compensa- 
tion of the postmaster. 



Post-offices. 



Albion 

Belle Valley 

Carter Hill 

Cherry Hill 

Cook 

East Greene 

Edenville 

Edinboro 

Elk Creek 

Erie (C. H.) 

Fairview 

Franklin Corner., 

Girard 

Greenfield 

Harbor Creek 



Postmasters. 



Oomp. Rev'e. 



Josiah Sullivan '$ 164 

Joseph Vance (estab. in 1856) 

David White 

Ira Harrington i 18 

Harvey Davis i 26 

Joseph Smith 4 

Robert H. Frisbee 

Marcus Saley ! 159 

Daniel M. Wood 42 

B. F. Sloan 2000 

Daniel Weidler 165 

Ivory Hawkins 10 

Monroe Hutchinson .S45 



57,$ 1 65 



8 381 



Wm. P. Barbie. 

Clarilla Stimson 

Pery G. Stranahan. 



Le Boeuf. 

Lundy's Lane | Wallace Sherman 

McKean ' Titus D. Chillis 86 

Moorheadville ' J. T. Moorhead 3:3 

Northeasts ' Mrs. Rebecca Brawly 318 

Northville John Taylor 50 

Platea Samuel Cisson 113 

Springfield X Roads Timothy S. Cowles 153 

Sterrettania ' Elias Brecht 13 

Stewart ; Robert McCrea, 4th 11 

Swan Station : Samuel Selden ! 51 

Union Mills Roswell H. Brown 94 

Waterford ' Henry Colt 372 

Wattsburg W. B. Williams 167 

Wayne Roswell B.Adams 55 

Well's Corners Henry Hill I 22 

Wesleyville Samuel L. Potter i 82 

West Springfield Gilbert Hurd : 82 



4 51 

9 87 
12 64 
250 

"90 61 

26 81 

2 59 
63 23 

5 26 
267 00 

7 58 
36 19 

3 96 
41 86 
32 06 

8 47 
224 46 

21 56 
39 22 
75 22 
7 16 
3 21 

27 05 
39 48 

234 21 
71 93 
23 65 

9 66 
23 83 
59 08 



In 1861 one other office was added, that of Oak Grove. 

The distributing office at Erie was discontinued after Janu- 



i 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 97 

ary 1, 1838 ; afterward restored, and again discontinued in 
1858. In order to defray expenses in 1860, the boxes were 
rented at two dollars each per annum. 

In 1808 the county treasurer reported $9,890,314 ; of this, 
$4,055.84 J was in the treasury, December 31, 1807. The county 
expenses amounted to $2,763.15. The same year $1,178.47^ was 
expended in building and materials for the courthouse, and 
$20.20 appropriated to clear French Creek. 

In 1860 the receipts of the county were $58,178.51, and the 
expenditures $50,592.91. 

Courts and Judicial Districts. — Erie being a part of Craw- 
ford, for all county purposes, from 1800 to 1803, it belonged to 
the fifth judicial district. 

By the judiciary act of February 24, 1806, Butler, Mercer, 
Venango, Crawford, and Erie composed the sixth judicial 
district. 

In 1818 Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, and Warren com- 
posed the sixth. 

In 1830 Erie, Venango, Mercer, and Crawford were the sixth ; 
and afterward Erie, Crawford, and Warren became the sixth. 

Jasper Yates held a circuit court in Erie on the 15th of 
October, 1806 ; Judge Breckenridge one in October, 1807. 

In 1839 Crawford, Erie, and Venango had a district court, 
which was in 1841 extended also to Mercer County. Judge 
James Thompson presided. The court expired by limitation in 
five years. 

David Derrickson was elected an additional president judge, 
with the same associates, in 1856. 

A session of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court was held in 
Erie in 1854. Judges present : Lewis (president), Woodward, 
Lowrie, and Knox. 

President Judges of the Court of Coinmon Pleas and Quarter 
Sessions. — Judge Addison, 1800 ; Jesse Moore, 1803 ; Henry 
Shippen, 1825 ; N. B. Eldred, 1839 ; Gaylord Church, 1849 ; 
John Galbraith, elected in 1851. Judge Galbraith died in 1860, 
and Rasselas Brown was appointed by Gov. Packer to fill the 
vacancy until the next election. S. P. Johnson was elected in 
1860 ; L. D. Wetmore, 1870 ; J. P. Vincent, 1874 ; W. A. Gal- 
braith, 1877 ; Frank Gunnison, 1887. 



98 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Associate Judges.— John Bell, John Kelso, John Cochran, 
Wilson Smith, John Vincent, John Grubb, Myron Hutcliin- 
son, John Brawley. In 1851 James Miles and J. M. Sterrett 
were elected, and in 1856 Samuel Hutchins and John Grier. 

Erie is annexed to the western district of the Supreme 
Court. 

In 1810 Erie, Beaver, Mercer, Crawford, Warren, and Ve- 
nango constituted a congressional district. In 1820 Beaver 
was apportioned to another district. 

In 1830 Erie County, with Crawford, Mercer, Warren, and 
Venango formed the Eighteenth Congressional District. 

In 1843 Erie, Warren McKean, Potter, JefFerson, and 
Clarion were constituted the Twenty-third Congressional 
District. It was styled the " Gerrymander," from Elbridge 
Gerry, as it was supposed to have been thus divided for politi- 
cal purposes. The Whigs, notwithstanding, elected their can- 
didate, C. M. Reed, by a majority of forty the same year. 

In 1852 Erie, Crawford, and Warren became the Twenty- 
fifth Congressional District. 

3fembers of Congress. — ^William Hoge ; Samuel Smith ; 
Robert Moore ; Thomas Wilson ; Abner Lacock ; P. Farrelly, 
1820 ; P. Farrelly died 1822, and T. H. Sill was elected to fill 
his unexpired term of one year ; Stephen Barlow, 1824 ; T. H. 
Sill, 1828; John Banks, 1830; John Galbraith, 1832-4; A. 
Plumer, 1836 ; John Galbraith, 1838 ; A. Plumer, 1840 ; Chas. 
M. Reed, 1842 ; J. W. Farrelly, 1848 ; James Thompson, 1845 ; 
C. B. Curtis ; John Dick, 1852-54-56; Elijah Babbitt, 1858-62. 

In 1801 the State apportionment included twenty-five Sen- 
ators, and Crawford, Venango, Mercer, Warren, and Erie 
(forming one county under the name of Crawford, for all 
county purposes) elected one member, the returns being made 
at the courthouse in Meadville. 

March 8, 1815, the State had thirty-one Senators, and 
Mercer, Erie, Warren, Venango, and Crawfoi'd still were en- 
titled to but one. In 1830 Erie, Crawford, and Mercer consti- 
tuted the Twenty-third Senatorial District. In 1843 Erie and 
Crawford became the Twenty-seventli, and entitled to one 
member. An apportionment in 1856 gave the State thirty- 
three Senators, Erie and Crawford being still entitled to but 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 99 

one. In 1836 Erie and Crawford became the Twenty-first 
District. 

Members of State Senate. — William McArthur, 1801 ; Wm. 
Bell; Wilson Smith, 1809; Joseph Shannon, 1813; Henry 
Hurst, 1817 ; J. Herrington, 1821-22. 

In 1820 the Twentieth Senatorial District was composed of 
Erie, Crawford, and Warren. Jacob Herrington, 1821-22-23 ; 
John Leach, 1825 to 1827 ; Thomas Cunningham, 1829 to 1836 ; 
J. M. Sterrett, 1837 to 1839; J. W. Farrelly, 1842; Elijah 
Babbitt, 1844 ; James D. Dunlap, 1845 ; J. B. Johnson, 1846 ; 
J. H. Walker, 1849-51 ; James Skinner, 1852-54 ; Darwin A. 
Finney, to 1860. 

House of Representatives. — In 1800 Allegheny, Beaver, 
Butler, Mercer, Crawford, Erie, Warren, and Venango jointly 
elected two members. 

The Assembly in 1801 consisted of eighty-six members, the 
Counties of Crawford, Venango, Erie, Warren, and Mercer 
being entitled to one member. 

In 1815 it had ninety-seven members, and the representation 
from Erie, Crawford, Venango, Warren, and Mercer was in- 
creased to three. 

In 1843 Erie and Crawford were entitled to two members in 
the House. 

In 1856 Erie became entitled to two members. 

Members of Assembly. — Samuel Ewatt, District of all the 
Northwest, 1800 ; Alexander Buchanan, 1801 ; John Lytle, 
Jr , 1802 ; Wilson Smith, 1805 ; John Phillips and James 
Herrington, 1808 ; John Phillips and Roger Alden, 1809 ; 
John Phillips and Patrick Farrelly, 1811 ; James Weston and 
James Burchfield, 1813 ; Jacob Herrington, James Weston, 
and Ralph Marlin, 1815 ; S. Hays, R. Marlin, and J. Her- 
rington, 1810 ; S. Hays, Thomas Wilson, and R. Marlin, 1817 ; 
J. Herrington, James Cochran, and J. Hackney, 1818 ; W. 
Smith, James Cochran, and William Connellj^ 1819. 

From the district composed of Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Ve- 
nango, and Warren — Wilson Smith, William INIcConnelly, 
Jacob Herrington, 1820 ; David Brown, James Cochran, 
George Moore, 1821 ; James Weston, 1822 ; T. H. Sill, from 
Erie and Warren, 1823 ; Gen. John Phillips, 1824 ; Stephen 



100 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Woolverton, 1825-27 ; George Moore, 1828-29 ; John Eiddel, 
1831 ; J. H. Walker, 1832-3.5 ; E. Babbitt, J. K. Miller, 1836 ; 
Charles M. Reed, David Sawdy, 1837; William M. Watts, 
Samuel Hutchins, 1838; 8. Skinner, J. D. Dunlap, 1840; 
Stephen Skinner, L. Robinsoii, 1842 ; J, D. Dunlap, David A. 
Gould, 1843 ; J. D. Dunlap, Mark Baldwin, 1844 ; J. B. John- 
son, L. Robinson, 1845 ; William Sanborn, D. A. Gould, 1846 ; 
G. J. Ball, William Sanborn, 1847 ; G. J. Ball, T. Ryman, 
1848 ; J. C. Reid, L. Hart, 1849 ; J. C. Reid, A. W. Blaine, 1851 ; 
C. W. Kelso, A. W. Blaine, 1851 ; C. W. Kelso, H. A. Hill, 1852 ; 
W. Warner, G. J. Ball, 1853 ; G. J. Ball, James Thompson, 
1854 ; G. J. Ball, M. Whallon, 1855 ; J. W. Campbell, W. Laird, 
1858 ; J. Gunnison, H. Teller, 1859 ; H. Teller, G. J. Ball, 1860. 

Previous to 1840, the offices of prothonotary and register 
and recorder were united, and the incumbent appointed by 
the Governor. 

The first appointment was of Callender Irvine, 1803 ; James 
E. Herron, 1808 (Major Herron, U. S. A., died in Syracuse in 
1818) ; John Kelso; Thomas Wilson, 1820, Avho died in 1824, 
and was succeeded by E. J. Kelso ; William Kelley, 1836 ; 
James C. Marshall, 1839 ; Wilson King, 1842 and 1845 ; James 
Skinner, 1848 ; Samuel Perley, 1851 ; Alfred King, 1854 ; James 
Skinner, 1857 and 1860, and was re-elected and served to 1863 ; 
Samuel Rea, 1866. 

In 1839 E. D. Gunnison was appointed first register and 
recorder, and held the office until after the fall election. 
William Kelly was elected 1839 and 1841 ; Thos. Moorhead, 
Jr. 1845 ; R. J. Sibley, 1849 ; D. McAUaster, 1851 and 1854 ; 
William P. Trimble, 1857 ; Samuel Rea, Jr., 1860-61. 

She)'iffs. — Wilson Smith, 1804 ; Jacob Carmack, 1809 ; Jacob 
Spang, 1812 ; David Wallace, 1813 ; James Weston,^ 1815 ; 
acting John C. Wallace, 1818 ; Thomas Laird, 1822 ; Stephen 
Woolverton, from 1816 and 1822-25 ; A. Thayer, 1826 ; A. W. 
Brewster, William Fleming, Thomas Mehaffy, 1835 ; A. Scott,^ 

1 James E. Herron received the same number of votes ; the Governor 
being a Democrat, it was decided in favor of James Weston. 

2 During Mr. Scott's term of office the sentence of the law was carried 
out in the execution of Henry Francisco, whose death warrant was issued 
December 12, 1837. This is the only instance of capital punishment in the 
history of Erie County, though others have doubtless been guilty of the 
crime of murder. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



101 



1838 ; E. M. W. Blaine, William E. McNair, M. W. Caughey, 
1846 ; Peter E. Burton, 1849 ; Thomas Vincent, 1852 ; J. 
Killpatrick, 1855 ; John W. McLane, 1858, and served to 1861, 

Coroners. — Abraham Smith, October 26, 1803 ; John Milroy, 
November 14, 1806 ; John Gray, November 17, 1807 ; John C. 
Wallace, November 8, 1809 ; John McCord, December 21, 1813 ; 
John Morris, April 23, 1816 ; Benjamin Russell, January 8, 
1822 ; Rufus S. Reed, February 8, 1825 ; William Fleming, 
1827 ; David Wallace, 1830 ; David McNair, 1833 ; Samuel 
Keefer, 1836 ; J. K. Caldwell, 1839 ; H. Bates, 1841 ; Thomas 
Dillon, 1845 ; S. L. Forster, 1848 ; S. Dunn, 1851 ; D. Burton, 
1854 ; T. Dillon, 1857 ; R. Gaggin, 1860. 

In July, 1805, the first section of the town of Erie was 
erected into a borough, and the May following the first 
borough officers were chosen. 

In 1807 the sum of $2,000 was granted by the State to the 





Hill 11 f 

c r r r r , r ;r 'r 

lit"; ■ i I 



L. 




Courthouse Built in 1824. 



commissioners, to expend in erecting buildings for county 
purposes. This courthouse was destroyed by fire March 23, 
1823, with all the records. Another was immediately erected 



102 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

upon the same foundation, and after the same plan, which 
was not superseded until 1853. This second building served 
not only for courts and county purposes for thirty years, but 
for all lectures and public meetings of the citizens. Almost 
every church originated and held its meetings there, until 
otherwise provided. The famous railroad convocations were 
the last held there, and at that time it had become decidedly 
a gloomy and out-of-date edifice. 

In 1852 the corner stone of the present commodious and im- 
posing structure was laid. Judge John Vincent, who was 
present at the ceremonj', and had filled the office of associate 
judge since 1805, remarked that he himself had selected and 
purchased the ground for the county commissioners forty- 
eight years before. 

The gi'ound plan of the building is sixty-one feet by one 
hundred and thirty-two, and the height from the ground to 
the top of the vane one hundred and twenty-eight feet. It is 
of the Roman-Corinthian order, and was designed by Thomas 
H. Walter. The whole cost of the building was between 
$64,000 and $65,000. 

March 20, 1811, an act passed the Legislature " that the beach 
of the lake from the upper corner of the garrison tract, and 
for twenty perches back from the water's edge, down the lake 
to the out lots, and from thence down the same, including all 
the land between the out lots and the water's edge to the tract 
of land No. 38, shall be and remain a public landing for the 
use of the inhabitants and others." 

In 1833 the inhabitants of the borough petitioned for an 
alteration in the law incorporating the borough, "stating that 
on a fair experiment they had found the existing laws insuf- 
ficient to promote conveniency and good order and public 
utility." This resulted in the alteration of the whole charter, 
excepting a part of the tenth section. 

In 1833 a fine was imposed, of five hundred dollars or im- 
prisonment not exceeding six months, for cutting timber on 
the peninsula or setting fire to the shrubbery. R. S. Reed 
was appointed superintendent for five years. 

In 1833 the third section, belonging to the commonwealth, 
of in and out lots was granted to the borough of Erie to con- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 103 

struct a canal basin in the Bay of Presqu'ile opposite the 
borough of Erie ; provided that one hundred acres of the said 
land be reserved for tlie use of a county poorhouse, to be selected 
by three persons appointed by the county commissioners. 

Tlie question of having a poorhouse was put to vote soon 
after, and carried by a small majority. Suitable buildings 
were soon after erected. The number of inmates during the 
year 1860 was 107 ; the number of deaths, 4 ; 4 were bound out, 
and 44 discharged. The receipts and cash in tlie treasury, 
$10,375.94. Expenditures, which include some old debts and 
expenses for a new building, $7,029.14. A requisition of $8,000 
annually has been made on the county for several years past, 
for the support of the institution. 

In 1834 the bounds of the borough were extended north- 
wardly 1300 feet into the Bay of Presqu'ile. 

In 1835 a resolution passed to proceed against any who might 
erect any tenement on the peninsula or upon any part of the 
work erected to deepen the entrance to the harbor, or to place 
wood or other materials upon the public works or any sandbar. 

Also, in 1835, Erie was authorized to borrow $50,000 to 
supply the borough with water. This contemplated improve- 
ment was never carried out. 

In 1841 Erie was supplied with water by wooden pipes com- 
municating with a spring a mile or two distant, the expenses 
being paid by the consumers. 

In 1838 a sale of one row of water lots in the second section 
was authorized, to pay the expense of grading and improving 
the streets and grounds of the second section. 

In 1841 an act passed the Legislature to prevent the picking 
or gathering of cranberries on the peninsula, between July 
and October, with a fine of not less than ten dollars or more 
than twenty -five against every person so offending.' 

1 The first day of October has been from that time denominated "cran- 
berry day," and in the popular sense has become an " institution." Wliole 
families "cross, the night before, kindle a fire, and are in readiness by the 
earliest dawn to proceed to the marshes where the cranberry abounds. 
The uninitiated may search and wander the day long and scarcely find a 
handful, while many a thrifty family has been provided with comforts for 
the winter, or even their dwellings respectably furnished by this day's 
profits. The number of boats being limited, toward evening an undue 
eagerness sometimes results in the swamping of boats and other accidents, 
which are often aggravated by intemperance. 



104 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

In 1843 an act passed the Legislature repealing the Nicholson 
Court of Pleas, which had been instituted in 1840. Without 
affording time for investigation, this court threatened to sell 
many of the farms in Erie County, as well as in other parts of 
the State, and dispossess those who had resided upon them 
for more than forty years. John Nicholson, President of the 
Population Company, was also State Treasurer and a de- 
faulter ; hence, a lien was supposed to rest on the lands once 
held by him. In the central part of the State the plea was 
more plausible ; most of the lands in Erie County having 
been purchased after John Nicholson was divested of all in- 
terest in them. 

In 1851 the government of the borough of Erie was changed 
to that of a city, and divided into the East and West Wards. 
It now has four, bounded as follows : First Ward — East of 
State, and north of Eighth Streets ; Second Ward — East of 
State, and south of Eighth Streets ; Third Ward — West of 
State, and south of Eighth Streets ; Fourth Ward — West 
of State, and north of Eighth Streets. 

Erie, in 1860, had 11,113 inhabitants within its city limits of 
about four square miles ; thirteen churches (particularly de- 
scribed in Chapter XII.) ; two fine public schoolhouses ; a 
flourishing academy, and several excellent select schools. 
There are no incorporated banks in the county at present, but 
six private banking houses. For manufactures in iron there 
are two foundries, and the Eagle Furnace of Atchison & 
Henry, just without the city limits. The " Erie City Iron 
Works" of Liddell & Marsh employs 90 men, and manufac- 
tures steam engines, freight and passenger cars, drilling tools 
and pipe for oil wells, agricultural implements, mill gearing, 
farm bells, etc. They have also a planing mill and moulding 
room in connection with the furnace. The "Old Furnace" 
of Barr & Johnson employs 60 men, and manufactures stoves, 
farming implements, and mill, building, and machinery cast- 
ings. 

There are four grist mills in the city : Fairmount Mills, 
Crouch «fc Brother, has three runs of stone ; Erie City, C. 
McSparren, four runs of stone ; Canal Mill, William Kelley, 
three runs of stone ; and Reed's Mill, Mrs. R. S. Reed, two 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 105 

runs of stoue. Near the city are Elliot's Mill, J. Elliot, three 
runs of stone ; Hopedale Mill, H. Gingrich, two runs of stone ; 
six flour and feed stores, one wholesale. 

There are three planing mills, two machine shops, two sash, 
etc., two stone potteries, and several petroleum oil refineries in 
different stages of progress. A piano-forte manufactory of 
Wm. Willing sometimes employs twenty men ; the instru- 
ments are of a fine tone, and in demand. The pump manu- 
factory of L. W. Olds supplies the home market, and sends a 
large number West. Besides this there are five breweries, one 
brass foundry, one gun shop, five watch shops, five saddle and 
harness shops, three for hats and caps, three cofRnmakers, 
five cabinet and furniture stores, two soap and candles, four 
tin shops, four drugstores, two book, five hardware, eight 
millinery, one shirt manufactory, four dentists, three confec- 
tionery, two carriage manufactories and several small wagon 
shops, four daguerrean artists, four commission merchants on 
the dock, eleven dry goods stores — wholesale and retail, eight 
shoe stores, five clothing stores, five w^holesale groceries, 
twenty-one retail groceries, and ten dealers in bituminous 
coal. 

The first borough election was held May 5, 1806, and re- 
sulted as follows : John C. Wallace, Burgess ; Judah Colt, 
Eufus S. Eeed, George Buehler, Robert Hays, George Schantz, 
Town Council ; Robert Irwin, High Constable. 

At the first meeting James E. Herron was appointed Town 
Clerk ; Thomas Forster, Wm. Wallace, James Baird, Street 
Commissioners ; Wm. Bell, Treasurer. Burgesses — Thomas 
Wilson, 1807; George Buehler, 1808 and 1809 ; John C. Wal- 
lace, 1810 and 1811 ; Samuel Hays, 1812 ; Judah Colt, 1813 ; 
George Moore, 1814 and 1815 ; Thomas H. Sill, 1816 and 1817 ; 
George Moore, 1818 and 1819 ; Judah Colt, 1820 and 1821 ; John 
Morris, 1822, 1823, and 1824 ; John C. Wallace, 1825, 1826, and 
1827 ; Tabor Beebe, 1828 ; Thomas H. Sill, 1829 ; Wm. Johns, 
1830 ; Geo. A. Elliot, 1831 ; Thomas Forster, chosen 1832, Tabor 
Beebe acted instead ; Thos. H. Sill, 1833 ; J. M. Sterrett, 1835 ; 
J. B. Laughead, 1836 and 1837 ; James L. White, March, 1838 ; 
Wm. Kelley, 1839 ; Myron Goodwin, 1840 ; Rufus S. Reed, 
1841 ; Thomas Stewart, 1842 ; Thomas H. Sill, 1843 and 1844 ; 



106 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Charles W. Kelso, 1845 ; Wm. Kelley, 1846 and 1847 ; Charles 
W. Kelso, 1848 ; A. W. Brewster, 1849 ; B. B. Vincent, 1850 ; 
Thomas G. Colt, first Mayor, 1851, from May acting Mayor ; 
M. Whallon, April, 1852 ; A. King, March, 1853 and 1854 ; W. 
Laird, 1855 and 1856 ; James Hoskinson, 1857 ; W. Laird, 1858 ; 
S. Smith, 1859 and 1860 ; P. Metcalf, 1862 to 1865 ; F. F. 
Farrar ; W. L. Scott, 1866 ; O. Noble, 1867 to 1871 ; W. L. 
Scott; C. M. Reed until H. Rawle, 1874 to 1875; J. W. 
Hammond, 1876; Selden Marvin, 1877; D. I.Jones, 1878; I. 
J. McCarter, 1881 to 1882 ; P. Becker, 1883 to 1884 ; F. F. 
Adams, 1885 ; F. A. Mizener, 1886 ; J. C. Brady, 1887 and 
1888 ; Charles S. Clarke ; Walter Scott, 1893. 

The first city officers were elected May 15, 1851. 

Mayor— T. G. Colt. 

High Constable — A. C. Landon. 

Select Council — East Ward : A. W. Brewster, F. Sevin, 
Clark McSparren. West Ward : S. M. Carpenter, John Zim- 
merly, Wm. M. Gallagher. 

Common Council — East Ward : P. Metcalf, L. L. Momeyer, 
O. D. SpafFord, J. D. Dunlap, A. A. Craig, Josiah Kellogg. 
West Ward : James Skinner, Wilson King, Thomas Dillon, S. 
W. Keefer, D. G. Landon, Adam Atchison. 

Collectors of the Customs for the District of Presqu'ile— 
Thomas Forster, 1801 ; Edwin J. Kelso, 1836 ; Charles W. 
Kelso, 1845 ; William M. Gallagher, 1849 ; Murray Whallon ; 
James Lytle, 1853 ; John Brawley, 1857 ; Murray Whallon ; 
Charles M. Tibbals, 1859. 

District of Presqu'ile embraces the whole coast line of the 
State of Pennsylvania on Lake Erie ; it contains about forty 
miles of shore, and has three shipping points — Erie, the port 
of entry, Northeast, and Elk Creek, the business of the two 
latter being principally the shipment of staves and lumber. 

Postmasters in Erie — John Hay ; John Gray, 1809 ; Robert 
Knox, 1811, who resigned after having filled the office to gen- 
eral acceptance seventeen years ; James Hughes, 1828 ; Robert 
Cochran, 1833 ; Smith Jackson, 1840 ; Andrew Scott, 1842 ; 
Robert Cochran, 1845; T. H. Sill, 1849; B. F. Sloan, 1853; 
Joseph M. Sterrett, 1861. 



CHAPTEE IX. 

First Road — Population Company Roadsr—Erie and Waterford 
Turnpike — Salt Trade — Oen. O^Hara's Contract — Road to Buffalo 
— First Coaches — Erie Canal — Railroads — Erie and Wattsburg 
Railroad — Sunbury and Erie — Erie and Northeast — Franklin 
Canal Company — Pittsburg and Erie Railroad — Plank Roads. 

The opening of the first road in Erie County, as we have 
seen in Chapter III., was by the French, in 1753, from Erie to 
Waterford. This is still a good road, and in use for seven 
miles in a southerly direction from Erie ; it is then scarcely 
traceable, but soon after is merged into the Erie and Water- 
ford plank road, the site of the "new Shun-pike." In 1795, 
when the first settlers came to the Triangle, the traveled road 
was in pretty much the same location, as they allude to trees 
growing up in its path.^ 

The Pennsylvania Population Company made many of the 
roads. T. Rees, Esq., their agent, opened one in Harbor 
Creek in 1797, and Mr. Colt, who succeeded him, says : "June 
3, 1797, set a number of men at opening roads leading to the 
intended station, nine and a half miles south of the mouth of 
Sixteen Mile Creek." 

There was a road to Forster's mill (being the first erected in 
the county on Walnut Creek) ; to Couneauttee Lake, where 
Alexander Powers was located ; to Conneaut Creek, Col. Dun- 
ning McNair's station ; and to the headwaters of Beaver Creek, 
where Mr. Jabez Colt was assistant agent. 

August, 1801. — Mr. Colt says : "Gen. Paine called to obtain a 
subscription in money for the purpose of opening a road from 

> The first intention seemed to have been to make a military road, to 
level the hills and elevate the valleys: and cavities where the roots had 
been grubbed out, could be discerned for about half the distance from 
Erie. Hence it has been called the grubbed road, not as is usually sup- 
posed from the families of the name of Grubb on its line. Cannon balls, 
accoutrements, harness, and various implements were found along this 
route as late as 1825. 

107 



108 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the east end of the Triangle to Buffalo Creek, and presented a 
letter from Mr. Kirtland, agent of the Connecticut Land 
Company, on the subject." Mr. Colt waived the matter until 
he should write to his principals, and after dinner Gen. Paine 
was furnished with provisions to carry him tlirough the 
woods to Buffalo. The latter part of October a road was com- 
pleted from Buffalo, westward, eighteen miles, at the expense 
of the Connecticut Company. 

In 1805 the first election was held at Waterford for officers 
of the Erie and Waterford Turnpilie Company, Col. Thomas 
Forster was chosen Pi-esident, and Henry Baldwin, John 
Vincent, Ralph Marlin, James E. Herron, John C. Wallace, 
Wm. Miles, James Brotherton, and Joseph Hackney, Mana- 
gers ; Judah Colt, Treasurer. 

This road was completed in 1809, and was a desirable im- 
provement. Its location was less direct, and on higher 
ground than the French road, for the purpose of accommo- 
dating the farmers who were large shareholders. 

The Waterford Turnpike was a particularly useful improve- 
ment, as all the salt for Pittsburg, and even down to the Falls 
of the Ohio (Louisville), passed from Erie to Waterford. 
Besides this, manufactures of iron and glass, whisky and 
flour from the Monongahela, and bacon from Kentucky, came 
up the Allegheny to Waterford, and from thence to Erie, 
which was then the depot for the lake country. The road 
was from two to five miles wide, diversified with stumps, 
logs, logheaps, and very deep mud holes. With such hin- 
drances by the way, and from four to six oxen to guide, it was 
not unusual for a load of salt or provisions to be four days 
crossing the portage of fifteen miles. Often a part of the 
burden had to be abandoned. An instance is related of a bar- 
rel of whisky having been rolled at least half the distance by 
one of our most persevering and wealthy citizens. 

At the risk of losing "the thread of the discourse," a few 
remarks will be introduced on the subject of the salt trade. 
Vessels leaving Buffalo for the West, from 1805 to 1810, were 
freighted principally with salt. In 1808, 6,000 barrels were 
registered at the custom house at Erie, and it is said 18,000 
were at another season. It was the currency of the county. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 109 

In Mr. H. Russel's journal we And, "January, 1808, ex- 
changed a pair of oxen for eight barrels of salt." In the Erie 
3firror, dated January, 1809, is a well-written letter, signed 
"An Old Salt-hauler." It had been questioned whether the 
salt trade was beneficial to the county ; that perhaps it inter- 
fered with the cultivation of farms. In reply, he says the 
farmers were obliged to haul salt to procure the comforts, if 
not necessaries, of life, such as sugar, tea, coffee, wearing 
apparel, etc., as salt seemed to be the current medium of trade 
during the existence of the embargo. Indeed, it was the onlj' 
commodity they had for market or exchange, and in propor- 
tion to the increase of the traffic the farmers of the county 
progressed in the improvement of the soil. Freightage from 
Buffalo to Erie was 87^ cents per barrel, and 12J cents was the 
charge for storage ; 12,000 barrels, in 1809, had been landed, 
according to the collector's books, which would amount to 
$12,000. The price of hauling from Erie to Waterford had 
been hitherto $1.50, amounting, on the same quantity, to 
§18,000. One dollar more was paid to convey it by water to 
Pittsburg. These several items made the aggregate receipts 
to the transporters of the county §42,000 in one year. The 
newly-finished turnpike diminished the cost of transporta- 
tion to 50 cents per barrel : but it facilitated the carriage pro- 
port ionably, as a team on the road could transport thirty-two 
barrels in the same time, and with greater ease than it 
formerly had done six. Salt was ordinarily from four to six 
months on the road from Salina to Pittsburg,, and of one 
hundred barrels leaving the springs, seventy-five were re- 
quired to pay the charges. Boats were built at Waterford 
expi'essly to float it down the river, and their construction 
was such as to prevent their return — this did not, however, 
add to the expense, as families removing still farther down 
were glad to purchase them. 

The opening of the salt wells on the Kanawha and Kiski- 
minitas, about 1813, by affording a supply to that region, after 
a time, materially affected transportation here. 

In Pennsylvania Historical Collections we find the follow- 
ing : " Gen. James O'Hara at an early day entered into a con- 
tract to supply Oswego with i)rovisions, which he supposed 



110 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

could be furnished cheaper than from the settlements on the 
Mohawk. He had obtained correct information in relation to 
the manufacture of salt at Salina, and had in his contract an 
eye to supplying the Western country with salt. 

" This was a project few would have undertaken, and fewer 
still carried out. The means of transportation had to be 
created : boats and teams must be constructed to get the salt 
from the works to Oswego, a vessel built to land it below 
the falls, wagons to carry it to Schlosser, and boats provided 
to carry it to Black Rock ; there another vessel was required 
to convey it to Erie. The road to the head of French 
Creek had to be improved, and the salt carried across the 
portage in wagons ; and, lastly, boats built to float it to Pitts- 
burg. 

"Mr. O'Hara packed his flour and provisions in barrels 
suitable for salt, and these were reserved in his contracts. 
Two vessels were built — one on Lake Erie, and another on 
Lake Ontario. The plan succeeded : salt of a fair quality 
could be sold at four dollars per bushel — half the price charged 
for that packed over the mountains. The vocation of packers 
was gone. Soon after, Onondaga salt was sold at twelve 
dollars per barrel of five bushels." 

A duty of four cents per bushel was paid the State of ]S'ew 
York, and it was forbidden by law to sell at the works for 
more than sixty cents per bushel. 

The journey from Erie to BufTalo by land was much dreaded 
even to the completion of the railroad ; previous to 1815 or 1820 
it was absolutely dangerous. Travelers finding the land road 
thi'ough Cattaraugus woods almost impassable for wagons, 
would be induced, if the weather was not very boisterous, to 
pass around the point of rock projecting into the lake. Many 
fatal instances are recorded of persons unacquainted with the 
country being overwhelmed by the waves. The nature of the 
soil through the woods would scarcely admit of a good road, 
and a journey once made was scarcely forgotten, for passen- 
gers felt that then and there, they escaped narrowly with 
tbeir lives. In "December, 1829, the road from Buffalo to 
Fi'edonia (in some places having been turnpiked late in the 
season) was so bad that two yoke of oxen were attached to the 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. Ill 

stage to draw it through, and all the male passengers worked 
their passage. The mail was three hours — more than a mile 
an hour — coming from Buffalo." 

The following advertisement is found in the Erie Gazette for 
September 15, 1820 : 

" Proposals will be received at the General Post-offlce for 
carrying the mail on the following route, until the fourteenth 
day of October next : 

"From Buffalo, by Hamburg, Hanover, Fredonia, Portland, 
Westfield, Ripley, and Northeast, to Erie, Pennsylvania, once 
a week, ninety miles. 

" Leave Buffalo every Saturday noon, and arrive at Erie the 
next jNlonday by six o'clock in the afternoon. Leave Erie 
every Tuesday at six a. m., and arrive at Buffalo the next 
Thursday by noon." 

The mail to Pittsburg and by Philadelphia was more 
sure for the East. This, too, came in but once a week. The 
day this was due, people were seen standing in the street 
looking for " McGill," who, at first, with his mail came on 
horseback ; afterward, the increased weight required a horse 
for the mail alone, which he led by his side. On one occasion 
the eager expectants looked and looked in vain ; a bear had 
crossed the carrier's path, and the frightened mail horse fled 
to the woods, where, after a search of two or three days, he 
was found. 

In the Erie Gazette for December, ISiJO, we find the follow- 
ing, being something new : that a stage for the conveyance of 
passengers as well as the mail would run regularly once a 
week from Erie to Buffalo and back, after the fijst of January. 
It would leave Erie every Tuesday, and arrive at Buffalo on 
Thursday ; leave Buffalo on Saturday, and arrive at Erie on 
Monday. The proprietors (Messrs. Bird & Deming) did not 
expect to make money in the business ; the convenience of the 
public seemed to require the experiment to be made, and if it 
met with support was to be continued and enlarged. 

January 8, 1824, we find a stage had commenced running 
twice a week between Erie and Cleveland. Arrangements 
were also making for carrying the mail twice a week. 

February 10, 1825, the mail coach commenced running 



112 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY, 

through in a day from this place to Buffalo. This may be 
said to terminate the ancient history of highways and convey- 
ances in Erie County. 

In the Erie Gazette^ July, 1826, is an article intended to 
arouse Pennsylvanians to the importance of a canal, and it 
was well adapted to the purpose. It speaks of the wondrous 
improvement in this region in the previous thirty years. 
" Then the site of the village was a wilderness, and the path 
of the Indian the only guide for the daring traveler. Now it 
has upwards of a thousand inhabitants, and roads leading to 
Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburg, three great points of 
intercourse equal to any in the western part of the Union. 
From these three places we have twenty-seven arrivals of 
stages every week, all of which remain here over night. 
From Buffalo there are fourteen arrivals, from Cleveland 
ten, and from Pittsburg three. Three years ago we had 
three arrivals : once a week from Cleveland, in a one-horse 
wagon ; once a week from Buffalo, in a two-horse wagon ; 
and once from Pittsburg, in a hack. Now there is not a 
vehicle enters our village for the conveyance of travelers but 
post-coaches, with teams equal if not superior to any in Penn- 
sylvania. 

" In addition to this, three steamboats for the conveyance 
of passengers enter and leave our harbor every week, and in a 
few days there will be five. There are also from two to ten 
schooners which enter and clear our harbor each week. What 
an important point this would be to Pennsylvania, if she 
would do her duty ! This unexampled increase of travel and 
business owes its existence entirely to the New York Canal. 
. . . Pennsylvania is waiting for experience. She will 
soon have more of it than she wants in contrasting Philadel- 
phia with New York." 

There was much delay in prosecuting the Erie extension of 
the Pennsylvania Canal, for the want of decision as to the 
route ; one of the first efforts at settling the question was the 
appointment in 1823, of Thomas Forster, of Erie, James Her- 
rington, of Crawford, and William Marks, Jr., of Allegheny, 
commissioners to explore the different routes, and report to 
the Governor. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 113 

In 1825 a survey was made by Major Douglass, of the army.* 
In 1835 ail appropriation of $200,000 was made, and a loan of 
$150,000 authorized should the appropriation be expended be- 
fore another could be had. In 1837 the Governor borrowed 
$200,000, at an interest of four and a half per cent, authorized 
by the resolution of 1835. In 1838 two appropriations were 
made : January 9, one of $100,000, and April 14, one of $300,- 
000. July 4, 1838, the breaking of ground for the canal was 
united with the celebration of American independence. A 
procession was formed under the direction of Capt. Dobbins, 
consisting of the orator of the day (J. H. Walker), the clergy, 
and committee of ai'rangements, forty or fifty of the earliest 
settlers with plows, wheelbarrows, spades, shovels, etc., and a 
large concourse of citizens. The breaking of ground was by 
one of the pioneers, Capt. M. Strong, who had resided in Erie 
County since 1795, and who related some very interesting facts 
and reminiscences. 

In 1838 the route from Conneaut Lake was not determined, 
the commissioners insisting that the Legislature decide. 
Shortly after the western one was chosen. 

The Erie Canal Company was incorporated in 1843, and 
accomplished the work which united the Ohio and the lakes, 
and which had been talked of a quarter of a century. The 
State had expended upon it upwards of $4,000,000, and but 
$211,000 was required to complete the one hundred and thirty- 
six miles, which was the shortest connection that could be 
made between the Ohio and the lake, and which opened to 
the market immense fields of coal of a superior quality. 

The stockholders elected for managers of the company were 
R. S. Reed, President ; T. G. Colt, Wni. M. Watts, B. B.Vincent, 
J. A. Tracy, Eric ; M. B. Lowry, Crawford ; James M. Power, 
Mercer ; C. M. Reed, Treasurer ; and Wm. Kelley, Secretary. 

1 The latter part of October, 1825, while the surveyors of the canal route 
were engaged in sounding the lake ofT the mouth of Elk Creek, a mel- 
ancholy accident occurred. The boat, having in it four persons, was much 
dashed by a fresh breeze, and began to fill. Mr. Crancli, a son of Judge 
Cranch, ot the District of Columbia, being an expert swimmer, for the 
purpose of liglitening the boat deliberately plunged into the lake, having 
first with care placed an elegant gold watch, which he highly valued, be- 
tween his teeth, to prevent its being injured by the water. He had gone 
a few perches from the shore when he "suddenly sank. He was immedi- 
ately taken out, but could not be resuscitated. 



114 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



December 5, 1844, the first boats came through to Erie. 
First the B. S. Beed, Capt. Drum, laden with Mercer County 
coal ; next, the packet boat Queen of the West, Capt. Arm- 
strong, her deck and spacious apartments literally crowded 
with a dense mass of human beings, eacli desirous of being 
numbered among the first passengers by canal packet to the 
lake. 

When the Queen entered the harbor, the deep-mouthed 
cannon gave out its thunder tones, and a shout, long, loud, and 
hearty, went up fi'om the multitudes. To W. Milnor Roberts, 
chief engineer, special thanks were due for the early comple- 
tion of the work after its abandonment by the State. The 
Wayne Greys paraded the streets during the day, and a ball at 
the Reed House concluded the celebration. 

In December, 1840, two tons of bituminous coal were brought 
from Evansburg, Crawford County, a distance of forty miles, 
partly by canal, and sold at five and a half dollars per ton, at 
which it was thought cheaper fuel than wood at one dollar 
per cord. The amount of coal received at Erie by canal is as 
follows : , 



In 1845 15,000 tons. 

" 1840 27,000 " 

" 1817 51,000 " 

" 1818 70,000 " 

" 1819 79,613 " 

" 1850 57,741 " 

" 1851 72,943 '■ 

•' 1852 76,650 " 



In 1853 123,031 tons. 

" 1854 95,611 " 

" 1855 141,184 " 

" 1856 112,811 " 

" 1857 126,159 " 

" 1858 99,924 " 

" 1859 128.856 " 

" 1860 129,807 " 



The first coal ever sent to this city, by way of the canal, 
was two boat loads, containing about one hundred tons, 
shipped some twelve or fifteen years ago by William Fruit, 
Esq., from a mine near Clarksville, Mercer County. It being 
a new article of traffic, says the Meadville Be2n(blican, Mr. 
Fruit found it difficult to dispose of his small cargo ; but after 
running about, from one dealer to another, for two days, he 
finally disposed of it to Gen. C. M. Reed, at less than cost, 
taking a " slow note " for pay. 

The officers of the Canal Company, 1860, were C. M. Reed, 
President ; J. C. Marshall, A. Scott, P. INIetcalf, D. McAllister, 
J. A. Tracy, J. Hearn, Directors ; D. McAllister, Treasurer ; 
A. H. Caughey, Secretary ; William W. Reed, Superintendent. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 115 

Tolls for 1858 $ 52,968 38 

" " 1859 68,574 65 

•< " 1860 3104,336 12 

Water rents 975 32 

Total receipts for 1860 S105,311 44 

Expenditures for repairs and supervision S 45,783 70 

Building a new aqueduct over Walnut Creek 17,039 bO 

Salaries of secretary, treasurer, superintendent, and 

collectors 6,370 50 

Incidental expenses, including legal services, print- 
ing, rent, etc 1,185 38 

Expenditures for 1860 870,379 18 

By a resolution of the directors, $25,000 were appropriated 
to the payment of three per cent interest on the bonds and 
interest certificates of tlie company for tlie year ending 
January 1, 1861. 

HaUr'oads. — In 1831 a railroad convention met at Fredonia, 
for the purpose of making arrangements for the construction 
of a railroad from Buffalo to the State line of Pennsylvania. 
Erie sent C. M. Reed, P. S. V. Hamot, and T. H. Sill, a dele- 
gation having been invited. The president of the convention 
was Tliomas B. Campbell ; secretaries, Oliver Lee and James 
Mullet. It was understood that their road should be met on 
the part of Pennsylvania. 

In 1835 a railroad from Philadelphia to Erie was first talked 
of ; it was to be laid out by way of Harrisburg, West Branch, 
Clarion River, and Franklin, and it was thought to possess 
the great advantage of not requiring one inclined plane. 

A macadamized road was petitioned for about this time, to 
connect Erie with the national road. 

In 1836 books were opened, and the capital stock subscribed 
of the Erie Railroad Company. This was to connect with the 
Cassadaga Road, a branch of the New York and Erie, thirty- 
five miles in length, extending from the mouth of the creek, 
three miles from Jamestown, to the State line, three miles 
from Wattsburg. The Erie Railroad would have been twenty- 
three miles in length, but the New York and Erie was not 
completed for many years, and consequently by that route 
there could be no connection with New York. The Erie and 
Northeast seemed to better meet the views of all parties. 

In 1837 the Sunbury and Erie Railroad bill passed, and this 
road was to form the last link in the chain of improvements 



116 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

between Lake Erie and Philadelphia. From Harrisburg to 
Philadelphia was completed ; from Harrisburg to Sunbury 
was incorporated. At Erie and Warren the event was the 
cause of rejoicings, and a new era seemed to dawn on Penn- 
sylvania. The stock necessary to secure the charter was 
taken by the United States Bank. During the years 1838 and 
1839 a corjjs of engineers, under Edward Miller, explored the 
country between the points mentioned in the charter. 

The whole distance from Sunbury to Erie is 270 miles ; from 
Erie to Warren, 66 miles ; Warren to Lock Haven, 136 miles ; 
Lock Haven to Williamsport, 28 miles ; Williamsport to Sun- 
bury, 40 miles. At this latter place three distinct railroads 
from New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore now converge. 

This road is ninety miles less, in distance to tlie sea-board, 
than the New York and Erie, and the local trade of the road 
it is supposed will maintain it. An unsuccessful effort was 
made in 1852 to have the road terminate at Cleveland. 

In 1854 the City of Philadelphia subscribed $1,000,000, and 
shortly after doubled the subscription. The City of Erie 
subscribed $300,000 and 150 acres in water lots, and Erie 
County §200,000. Tlie State of Pennsylvania conveyed her 
canals to the company for $3,500,000 of Sunbury and Erie 
Railroad bonds. 

December, 1854, the completion of the road to Williamsport 
was celebrated by about five hundred citizens of Philadelphia, 
including the president of the road, Hon. James Cooper, the 
directors, city councils, etc. The party arrived at Erie via 
Elmira and Niagara, and were hospitably entertained by the 
citizens. At a ball and supper given them at the Reed House, 
Hon. James Thompson presided. 

The rails used upon this road are from the Montour and 
Rough and Ready Mills at Danville, Pennsylvania, and the 
Lackawanna Mill at Scranton. Lock Haven is the site of the 
company's workshops. 

The company in 1859 had just one half of the road (135 
miles) ironed : eighty-one miles being on the eastern, and 
fifty-four on the western division. More than half the work 
on the remaining one hundred and thirty-five miles was 
finished, and sixty-eight miles actually graded and ready for 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



117 



the superstructure. Liddell & Marsh, of the Erie City Iron 
Works, constructed twenty-five or thirty cars for the western 
division. 

A celebration, numerously attended, was held at Warren, 
December, 1859, on the opening of the road from Erie to that 
place. 

The earnings of the western division have equaled nearly 
$3,000 weekly, or six per cent on the cost of construction. 

The discovery of petroleum in Northwestern Pennsylvania 
has added materially to the receipts of the Sunbury and Erie 
Road, which has been a very great convenience in getting the 
commodity to market. 

Receipts of oil at the Erie station for 



1859. 

November 21 barrels. 

December 304 " 



1860. 

January 63 

February 115 

March 411 

April 980 

May 1,159 

June 772 



July 1,432 barrels. 

August 2,341 " 

September 2,227 " 

October 2,775 " 

November 3,069 " 

December 6,431 " 

1861 

January 15,092 " 

February 9,421 •' 

March 4,383 " 

April 5,521 " 



A bill supplementary to the act incorporating the Sunbury 
and Erie Railroad Company was passed in the spring of 1861. 
The first section changes the name of the company to the 
Philadelphia and Erie Railroad Company, 

The second section authorizes the company to issue five 
thousand bonds, not exceeding in amount the aggregate sum 
of one million pounds sterling or five millions United States 
currency. The bonds are to draw six per cent interest per 
annum, payable semi-annually, the principal to be paid in 
twenty years. The bonds are not subject to taxation, and as 
security for the payment of principal and interest the com- 
pany is authorized to execute in trust a mortgage of the whole 
line of its railroad, finished and unfinished, from Sunbury to 
the harbor of Erie, and its appurtenances, including all loco- 
motives and cars which may at any time be placed thereon, 
together with all its real estate, rights, and privileges. The 
mortgage to be delivered to trustees therein named, and re- 
corded in the several counties in which the property may be 



118 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

situated, and shall remain tlie first mortgage on all the prop- 
erty therein described until fully satisfied, excepting the road 
extending from Sunbury to Williamsport, on which a mort- 
gage of one million dollars now exists. 

The third section authorizes the company to issue forty 
bonds for $100,000 each, payable in forty years from the date 
thereof, bearing six per cent interest from and after January 
1, 1872, A second mortgage on the road to be executed to 
secure the payment of said bonds, which bonds and mortgage 
the company are to deliver to the commissioners of the sink- 
ing fund, to be retained as collateral security for payment of 
the five per cent bonds for $3,500,000 now in the sinking fund. 
The Treasurer of the Commonwealth shall cancel and sur- 
render all the bonds belonging to the company and deposited 
in his office for safe keeping, under the provisions of the act 
for the sale of the State canals. 

Section fourth extends the time for the payment of the 
$3,500,000, now in the sinking fund, till the maturity of the 
$4,000,000, which when paid will be in full satisfaction of 
the said $3,500,000 bonds : provided that the whole amount of 
principal and interest so to be paid by the company shall not 
be less than the debt now owing by the company to the State 
with the stipulated interest thei-eon till the time of payment. 

When this and other railroads in progress are comjDleted, it 
is expected that Erie will assume her true importance, so that 
the census of 1870 will find it a flourishing, noisy, and am- 
bitious city, rivaling in size and trade the two large cities of 
Cleveland and Buffalo, which have hitherto overshadowed it. 

" Pennsylvania is blest in having three border outlets 
through ports on the three great water ways — the Atlantic 
Ocean, the Ohio River, and the great lakes. Philadelphia, 
Pittsburg, and Erie City are the portals of the Common- 
wealth, all other ways of ingress and egress being only as 
windows in the stately edifice. The public men of an earlier 
generation purchased and annexed the Triangle which made 
Erie City a harbor in Pennsj'lvania, and yet, down to this 
day, there is no direct communications between that lake port 
which was acquired and the seaport where the State was 
cradled, although a route to the lakes was one of the objects of 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 119 

the acquisition." [Tlie Sunbury and Erie was incorporated 
for this purpose, and in 1846, in the incorporation of the 
Pennsylvania Central, a branch was authorized deflecting to 
Erie.] "Here we have the proof that in tlie minds of naen 
devoted to the consideration of commercial subjects, and to 
carrying lines, tlie thought was ever present, that the three 
custom house cities should have direct and unclogged railroad 
facilities, uniting each with the other, and opening from the 
interior of the State to its border cities a cheap and con- 
venient transit." In its unfinished condition the Sunbury 
and Erie Railroad is a double failui-e, for it fails to pay interest 
on the bonds held by the State, and fails to meet public ex- 
pectations inasmuch as it is not all open for traffic. 

The Erie and Northeast Railroad Company was incorpor- 
ated April 12, 1842, with a capital of $5,000,000. March 11, 
1846, the capital stock was reduced to $600,000. Books for 
subscription were oj^ened October 19, 1846, and sufficient stock 
subscribed to secure the charter. Letters-patent on the charter 
were granted December 16, 1846. The first election was held 
January 22, 1847, and resulted in the choice of C. M. Reed, 
President ; William Kelley, Henry Cadwell, Smith Jackson, 
A. W. Brewster, M. Courtright, James Williams, Directors ; 
and G. Sanford, Treasurer. 

In the spring of 1849 the road was surveyed under the 
direction of M. Courtright ; July 26, 1849, contracts were made 
for the construction of the road. 

By an agreement entered into April 27, 1850, with the Dun- 
kirk and State Line Railroad, the Erie and Northeast agreed 
to lay a six-foot track, that the cars of the New York and 
Erie might run directly to Erie, and this city be virtually the 
terminus of that road. Px'eviously the Dunkirk and State 
Line Road had adopted the Erie and Northeast to do their 
business on the same, and by this arrangement expected to 
have an advantage over their great rival, the New York 
Central. 

This led to a warm controversy between the two companies, 
and a parallel road was contemplated, which was the Sheri- 
dan Road, with a six-foot track, to connect with the Erie and 
Northeast via Westfield and Fredonia. and stock sufficient to 



120 HISTOKY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

secure the charter was taken. Fhially, a compromise was 
effected by which it was intended that neither company 
should have tlie advantage, and a gauge foreign to botli was 
adopted, viz., the four foot ten inches, being the gauge of the 
road constructing from Erie west to Cleveland. 

The Erie and Northeast being laid according to agreement, a 
six-foot track compelled two changes of all freight and travel 
within nineteen miles, viz., at Erie and at the State Line. 

The first cars came in on this road January 10, 1852. The 
Franklin Canal Company had constructed a railroad to the 
Ohio State line, and a connection through to Cleveland was 
effected in November of the same year. The formal opening 
of this road was November 23, 1852, when the cars left Erie at 
nine a, m. for Ashtabula, and returned at three o'clock, with 
their numbers greatly increased. A party of three hundred 
partook of a sumptuous dinner at Brown's Hotel. Speeches 
were made by Judge Galbraith, Alfred Kelly, Wm. S. Lane, 
and M. B. Lowry, and a change in the gauge law (which law 
compelled a break at Erie) was denounced. 

The Franklin Canal Company was incorporated on the 27th 
of April, 1844, for the purpose of reconstructing and repairing 
the Franklin Division of the Pennsylvania Canal from the 
aqueduct on French Creek to the mouth of that creek, it 
having decayed and become dilapidated. On April 9, 1849, a 
supplement was passed, authorizing the comi^any to con- 
struct a railroad instead of repairing the canal, the graded 
line or towing path of the canal to be the bed of the road, and 
giving the company the privilege of increasing its stock to 
§500,000, and extending northward to the lake and south to 
Pittsburg. In the building of this road. Judge John Gal- 
braith was the influential manager. 

A few months after the completion of the railroad from Erie 
to Cleveland, the Pennsylvania gauge law was repealed, and 
a contract was entered into November 17, 1853, between the 
Buffalo and State Line and Erie and Northeast Companies, by 
which the latter agreed to alter their track to one of four foot 
ten, thereby making a continuous gauge from Buffalo to 
Cleveland. 

The first attempt of the Erie and Northeast Company to 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 121 

change their gauge occasioned the contentions of 1853 and 
1854, better known as the "railroad war." 

The particulars of this severe but bloodless struggle can 
doubtless be more profitably discussed at a future period. > 
The citizens of Erie felt highly aggrieved, and not less so the 
railroad company and the traveling community. The loss 
flinaucially to each of these parties was immense. In the fierce 
and prolonged excitement men grew prematurely old, and the 
tax on temper and nerves to all concerned was not of small 
account. In the course of time the courts settled the exciting 
question ; the two breaks between Buffalo and Cleveland 
have disappeared, and the city, once distracted by civil dis- 
cord, is again peaceful and prosperous. 

An act of the Legislature, passed in January, 1854, annulled 
the charter of the Franklin Canal Company, always con- 
sidered doubtful, and invested the Governor with plenary 
power to make such a disposition of the road as in his judg- 
ment would best promote the interests of the State and the 
great objects to be attained. 

The same wunter Gov. Bigler visited Erie in person, and 
was received with the greatest enthusiasm, being met at the 
depot by the military and firemen with torchlights, and a 
large concourse of citizens. 

In June, 1854, the Franklin Canal Company was merged 
into the Cleveland, Painesville, and Ashtabula Railroad Com- 
pany. 

In 1855 an act passed the Legislature repealing the charter of 
the Erie and Northeast Road, on the ground that it did not 
come to the borough, as stipulated in the act of incorporation. 
Hon. J. Cassey held it for the State, and afterward our late 
Governor, Wm. F. Packer. 

April 22, 1856, it was reincorporated, the directors being 
required to subscribe $400,000 to the Pittsburg and Erie Road. 

The earnings of the Cleveland and Erie Railroad for 1860 
amounted to $1,063,405.23; operating expenses, $429,758.49. 
The road paid during the year, as dividends, five per cent 
in cash January 1, 1860 ; five per cent in scrip January 1, 1860; 
and five per cent in cash July 1, 1860. 

1 See supplement. 



122 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Number of through passengers on the road 162,172 

Number of way passengers 88,199 

Total tonnage of freight carried over the road 254,594 tons. 

Merchandise carried over the road 68,815 " 

Lumber " " " 5,096 " 

Iron " " " 2,004 " 

Livestock ' " " " 74,712 " 

Flour " " " 198,802 " 

At a meeting of the stockholders of the Erie and Northeast 
Raih'oad, held at the office of the company January 17, 1854, 
the following named gentleman were elected directors for the 
ensuing year : John A. Tracy, Milton Courtright, John 
H. Walker, Dean Richmond (of Buffalo), Prescott Metcalf, 
Andrew Scott, and John Brawly. 

The Pittsburg and Erie Railroad Company was incorpo- 
rated in 1850. C. M. Reed, President ; M. Courtright, William 
Kelley, James Williams, A. W. Brewster, C. McSparren, 
James C. Marshall, John A. Tracy, P. Metcalf, J. McClure, B. 

B. Vincent, Smith Jackson, Directors ; and David McAllister, 
Secretary. 

The road was made to Jamestown, sixty miles, in 1859, and 
its final completion is soon expected. 

Erie City Railroad was chartered in 1853, to extend from the 
harbor at Presqu'ile to a point on the New York and Pennsyl- 
vania State line in Northeast, Greenfield, or Venango town- 
ships. This, as a communication with New York, will have 
an advantage over the Dunkirk Road of twenty miles. 

The first officers were M. Courtright, President ; C. M. Reed, 
J. H. Walker, James Skinner, P. Arbuckle, M. W. Caughey, 
J. C. Spencer, J. W. Hart, J. McClure, William M. Arbuckle, 
J. A. Tracy, William C. Curry, and P. Metcalf, Directors ; J. 

C. Spencer, Secretary and Treasurer. The road between 
Little Valley and Jamestown was put under contract in 1852. 

The Erie and Waterford plank road was completed in 1851 ; 
Irvin Camp, President. The Erie and Wattsburg the same 
year ; J. H. Williams, President. The Erie and Edinboro 
plank road was completed December, 1852 ; John Galbraith, 
President. 

The plank roads have all been a benefit to the country and 
to the towns through which they pass. The one connecting 
with Wattsburg has wrought a great change in the aspect of 
the country. It was estimated in the summer of 1859 that one 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 123 

hundred cords of hemlock wood were brought in daily, besides 
large quantities of hemlock bark, which was shipped for the 
West. 



CHAPTER X. 



Shipping — The Washington, the First Vessel built on the South 
Shore of the Lake — Hudson's Bay Company — British Government 
Vessels — Ainerican Government Vessels — The Salina — Valuable 
Cargoes — Walk-in-the-water — First Lighthouse — William Peyin — 
First Steamer at Chicago — Cholera — Tonnage and Number of 
Vessels in 1810-20-Sl-S6-47-60—Lake Disasters— Commerce of Port 
of PresqiCile — Vessels and Tonnage registered at PresquHle in 1860 
— United States Steamer Michigan — Revenue Cutters. 

Captain William Lee's vessel (name not known) pro- 
pelled by sails and oars, was the only one on the south side of 
Lake Erie in 1795. Capt. Lee had no crew, and made trips 
only when he could have " passengers enough able and willing 
to man his boat." He resided at Chippewa, and it was in his 
boat Col, S. Reed, family, and goods came up in the spring of 
1795. 

Mr. Colt's journal says : "May 30, 1798, Mrs. Colt and my- 
self took passage at Fort Erie in sloop Weasle, Dennaw, 
master. Set sail about two o'clock p. m. The wind con- 
tinuing from the east, we were under way until about tAvelve 
at night, and lest we should run past the harbor of Presqu'ile, 
the vessel was hove to, and lay in that situation until six 
o'clock in the morning of Thursday. 

" 31. — We found ourselves off Chautauqua Ci*eek, about 
twenty miles from our desired haven ; at evening arrived in 
the harbor of Presqu'ile. We were much seasick during the 
passage." 

In September, 1798, Eliphalet Beebe launched a sloop of 
thirty-six tons at the mouth of Four Mile Creek (east of Erie), 
called the sloop Washington. This was probably the first 
vessel built on the south side of the lake. It was built for the 
use of the Population Company, was sold in November, 1801, 
to Joshua Fairbanks of Queenston, for land and salt, was taken 



124 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

across the portage from Chippewa to Queenston, and lost on 
its first trip on Lake Ontario. 

In 1799 Capt. William Lee built the Good Intent, thirty- 
tons, R. S. Reed part owner, at the mouth of Mill Creek. 
Lost at Port Abino in 1806, with all on board. 

In 1800 Eliphalet Beebe built the Harlequin, which was lost 
during her first season, with all on board. 

In 1805 Thomas Wilson built a schooner of one hundred 
tons at Erie, called the Mary ; in 1808 one half was sold to 
James Rough and George Buehler, and the remainder to 
Porter, Barton & Co. It was sailed by Capt. Rough until the 
war, when it was purchased by the United States. 

Tlie Erie Packet, a sloop of twenty tons, was built by Capt. 
William Lee, at Fort Erie, in 1796, for the Presqu'ile trade — 
Presqu'ile being the principal settlement at that time. 

In 1803 the Niagara, of thirty tons, was built by the United 
States government, and bought by Porter, Barton & Co. Her 
name was changed to the Nancy ; sailed by Caj^t. R. O'Neil. 

In 1802-3 Porter, Barton & Co., contractors for the army, 
built at Black Rock the sloop Contractor, of sixty-four tons. 
Sill, Thompson & Co., at the same place, built the Catharine. 
These were both purchased by the government in 1812 ; the 
name of the former was changed to the Trippe, and the latter 
to the Somers. 

In 1808 Major Carter built a schooner at Cleveland (which 
was the first built there) of forty-five tons, called the Zephyr. 
She was sailed by Capt. Cummings. 

We have alluded, in Chapter II., to the Hudson's Bay Com- 
pany and British vessels on Lake Erie in 1789. The Speed- 
well is heard of at Maiden in 1792, and in 1796 they had in 
commission two armed vessels — the Ottawa, commanded by 
Capt. Cowan, and the Chippewa, by Capt. Grant, each of 
about ninety tons. 

In 1804 they built the brig Camden, of one hundred tons 
and six guns ; in 1806, the brig Hunter ; and in 1807, the 
armed sloop Hope, which was lost near St. Joseph's, on Lake 
Huron. In 1809 the Queen Charlotte w^as built, and in 1810 
the armed schooner Lady Prevost. These vessels did not 
belong to the royal navy, but to what was called the provincial 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 125 

marine service ; or, as a London newspaper stated the matter 
(and which was true before 1812) after Commodore Perry's 
victory : "It may serve to diminish our vexation at the 
occurrence to learn that the flotilla in question was not any 
branch of the British navy, but was solely manned, equipped, 
and managed by the public exertions of certain Canadians, 
who had formed themselves into a kind of Lake Fencibles. 
It was not the royal navy, but a local force — a kind of mercan- 
tile military." A fictitious consolation, truly ! Commodore 
Barclay, Captain Finnis, etc., were not distinguished from 
"mercantile military," in the editor's mind. 

As to the American vessels, at the time Gen. Wayne took 
possession of Detroit, in 1796, the quartermaster purchased 
from a merchant the sloop Detroit, of fifty tons, for the use of 
the government. It was the same vessel that conveyed Gen. 
Wayne to Erie previous to his decease. She was wrecked the 
next fall, near Erie. 

Tlie Wilkinson, of sixty-seven tons, is heard of in 1801. 

In 1802 tlie government built two vessels at Detroit — the 
brig Adams, of one hundred tons, sailed by Capt. Breevoort, 
and the schooner Tracy, of fifty-three tons — the latter was 
wrecked about 1809, on the reef off Fort Erie. The Adams 
continued in commission until the war of 1812, and was taken 
by the British at the surrender of Gen. Hull, and called the 
Detroit. She was one of the vessels cut out from Fort Erie, 
by Capt. Elliot, on the night of the 8th of October, 1812. 

The British had in the merchant service, at an early day, 
the sloop Nancy, thirty-eight tons ; the schooner Nancy, 
ninety-four tons"; the Charlotte, eighty tons ; the Caledonia, a 
brig of eighty-five tons ; the sloop Hunter, of forty tons ; and 
schooner Thames, of eighty tons. 

In 1809 Mr. R. S. Reed and Capt. Dobbins purchased a 
schooner called the Charlotte, of ninety tons, from Alex. 
Mcintosh, of Moy, Canada. Her name was changed to 
Saliua, and Capt. Dobbins sailed her until 1812. Being at 
Mackinaw at its capture, this vessel was also taken hy the 
British, and its captain, crew, and Messrs. R. S. and Wm. W. 
Reed made prisoners. She was converted into a cartel, and 
sent down, in company with the INIary, with provisions to 



126 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Detroit. At Detroit Gen. Hull received her from Capt. Dob- 
bins, and she was included in the general surrender by him to 
the British. Here Capt. Dobbins left her and returned to 
Erie. While the Detroit and other vessels were building, the 
British made use of the Salina to transport provisions and 
stores fi'oni different parts of the lake. At last she was frozen 
up in the ice near Maiden, in December, 1812, and being 
abandoned, drifted down the lake, inclosed in ice ; was dis- 
covered opposite Erie, and, after having property taken from 
her by the citizens to the amount of about $2,000, was set on 
fire. 

In 1811 the Salina had a remarkable cargo for value,^ which 
consisted of $120,000 worth of furs, at the Mackinaw valu- 
ation — at Montreal their worth would be doubled. The agent 
of the Northwest Company, to whom the furs belonged, was 
on board, and the furs were stowed upon deck as well as 
below. 

The schooner Mariner, Capt. Blake, August, 1825, landed a 
cargo at Buffalo still more valuable — that of furs belonging to 
the American Fur Company worth $267,000. Usually the 
finer furs were conveyed to Montreal by an inland route. 
From Mackinaw they were taken to the mouth of Canadian 
River, which communicated by portage with Grand River, 
and thence down to the St. Lawrence in bark canoes. The 
skins and coarser portions were taken in vessels to Fort Erie, 
and by boats to Chippewa ; across the portage to Queenston, 
and by vessels to Kingston ; thence down the St. Lawrence in 
boats. 

May 28, 1818, the first steamboat on Lake Erie was launched 
at Black Rock. This was the Walk-in- the- water, of three 
hundred tons, and commanded by Capt. Job Fish. She was 
not able to ascend the rapids with her engine, but was drawn 
up by ten yoke of oxen. She was built by Noali Brown, of 
New York, for Gilbert and J. B. Stewart, of Albany, and was 
visited as a curiosity by the whole country. 

1 A modern costly cargo : " May 21, 1861. The steamer Illinois arrived at 
Detroit yesterday, from Lake Superior, with a cargo second in value only 
to that brought by the Mineral Rock, which arrived the day previous. 
The Illinois cargo was composed entirely of copper, and was valued at 
$101,452.80." 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 127 

In the Detroit Gazette we find an account of her first passage 
to that city. " The Walk-in-the-water left Buffalo at one and 
a half p. ni. and arrived at Dunkirk thirty-five minutes past 
six on the same day. On the following morning she arrived 
at Erie — Capt. Fish having reduced her steam in order not to 
pass that place, where he took in a supply of wood." [The 
boat was visited by all the inhabitants during the day, and 
had the misfortune to get aground for a short time in the bay, 
a little west of French Street.] " At half-past seven p. m. she 
left Erie, and arrived at Cleveland at eleven o'clock Tuesday ; 
at twenty minutes past six p. m. sailed, and reached San- 
dusky Bay at one o'clock on Wednesday ; lay at anchor 
during the night, and then proceeded to Venice for wood ; left 
Venice at three p. m., and arrived at the mouth of Detroit 
River, w^iere she anchored during the night. 

" The whole time of this first voyage from BuflTalo to Detroit 
occupied forty-four hours and ten minutes — the wind ahead 
during the whole passage. Not the slightest accident hap- 
pened during the voyage, and her machinery worked admir- 
ably. 

"Nothing could exceed the surprise of the 'sons of the 
forest' on seeing the Walk-in-the-water move majestically 
and rapidly against wind and current, without sails or oars. 
Above Maiden they lined the shores and expressed their 
astonishment by repeated shouts of ' Taiyoh nichee ! ' [An ex- 
clamation of surprise.] 

"A report had been circulated among them that a 'big 
canoe' would soon come from the ' noisy waters,' which, by 
order of the ' great father ' of the ' Chemo Komods ' '(Long 
Knives or Yankees), would be drawn through the lakes and 
rivers by a sturgeon. Of the truth of the report they were 
perfectly satisfied." 

The cabins of the Walk-in-the-water were fitted up in a 
neat, convenient, and elegant style ; and a trip to Buffalo was 
considered not only tolerable, but truly pleasant. Friday she 
made an excursion to Lake St. Clair, with a party of ladies 
and gentlemen, and returned to Buffalo in time to be again at 
Detroit the following week. 

Tradition has it that Capt. Fish was not particularly pleased 



128 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

with the lake, and returned in a sliort time to his former 
command on tlie Hudson — the Firefly, running between 
Poughkeepsie and K'ew York ; that tlie pilot Davis being a 
thorough and accomplished seaman (which Capt. Fish did not 
profess to be) amused himself by exciting his fears and niagni- 
fj'ing the dangers of lake navigation. The pilot had the com- 
mand previous to the appointment of Capt. Jedediah Rodgers. 

The first of November, 1821, the Walk-in-the-water stranded 
on the beach at Buffalo, having a full and valuable cargo, at a 
loss to her owners of $10,000 or $12,000. Her engine was 
placed in the Superior, which was built by a chartered com- 
pany, and had an exclusive privilege in the navigable waters 
of New York. This privilege was abandoned after a decision 
of the Supreme Court of the United States. 

The first steamboat launched at Erie was the William Penn, 
of two hundred tons, May 18, 1826. She was ninety-five feet 
keel, twenty-five feet beam, and eighty feet hold ; being the 
sixth steamboat on the lake, and was built by the Erie and 
Chautauqua Steamboat Company. The company was incor- 
porated the 10th of April, 1826, with Walter Smith, E. L. 
Tinker, Charles Townsend, R. S. Reed, P. S. V. Hamot, 
Josiah Kellogg, John F. Wight, Daniel Dobbins, and Peter 
Christie, Managers. A sui^plement in 1831 provided that the 
principal offices should be held by citizens of Pennsylvania. 
In 1832 the comjiany paid a dividend of ten dollars on each 
share of the stock. 

In 1832 the first steamboat visited Chicago. There were few 
traces of civilization after passing the Straits of Mackinaw — 
not a single village, town, or city being in the whole distance. 
Four steamers — the Henry Clay, Superior, Sheldon Thomp- 
son, and William Penn — were chartered by the United States 
government for the purpose of transporting troops, provisions, 
etc. to Chicago during the Black Hawk war, but owing to the 
fearful ravages made by the breaking out of the Asiatic 
cholera among the troops and crews on board, two of these 
boats were compelled to abandon their voyage, proceeding no 
farther than Fort Gratiot. On the Henry Clay nothing like 
discipline could be maintained. As soon as the steamer came 
to the dock, each man sprang on shore, hoping to escape from 



HISTOKV OF ERIE COUNTY. 129 

a scene so terrifying and appalling. Some fled to the woods, 
some to the fields, while others lay down in the streets and 
under the covert of the river bank, where most of them died 
unwept and alone. 

On the Sheldon Thompson, commanded by Capt. A. Walker, 
with Gen. Scott aboard, eighty-eight deaths occurred by the 
pestilence. Not one officer of the army nor any officer of the 
boat was attacked with such violence as to result in death, 
though nearly one fourth of the crew fell a prey to the disease 
while on the passage from Detroit to Buffalo. 

In 1810, on Lake Erie, there were eight or nine vessels, 
averaging sixty tons. In 1820, thirty vessels of fifty tons each, 
and one small steamboat. In the summer of 1831 there were 
one hundred vessels averaging seventy tons each, and eleven 
steamboats, with an aggregate capacity of 2,260 tons. In 1836 
there were on Lake Erie forty-five steamboats, w^itli 9,119 tons, 
and 217 ships, brigs, and schooners, of 16,645 tons ; that year 
many vessels from Lake Ontario found employment on Lake 
Erie, and still there was a demand for more. In 1847 there 
were sixty-seven steamers, twenty-six propellers, three barks, 
sixty-four brigs, and three hundred and forty schooners. 

The marine register for 1860, including Lake Ontario, 
numbers : 

Craft. No. Tonnage. Value. 

Steamers 138 69,150 S2,720,200 

Propellers 197 61,.550 2,478,300 

Barks 58 28,417 544,200 

Brigs 90 25,047 423,200 

Schooners and sloops 974 198,(561 4,489,300 

Total 1457 377,825 §10,655,200 

The loss of property on the lakes by disastei's, in 1860, 
amounted to §1,020,100, being an increase of $135,915 over the 
year previous. The loss of life in 1860 was 578, being an in- 
crease of 473 over 1859. 

At the port of Presqu'ile the importations for 1851, consist- 
ing principally of assorted merchandise, flour, fish, and 
manufactures of iron, amounted to 

Imports coastwise 51,979,913 

Imports foreign 3,455 

Total importation Sl,983,368 



130 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



The Chicago Bepublican says the loss of life by disasters ou 
the lakes, during the year 1865 was one hundred and seventy, 
being an increase over that of 1864; of thirty-six. The largest 
and most lamentable loss was that of the Pewabic, on Lake 
Huron, by which it is generally supposed that not less than 
one hundred persons found a watery grave. 

The exports consist of Avool, lumber, wood, bark, glass, 
stoves, bar iron, coal, and merchandise received by canal, with 
a small quantity of grain, the whole amounting to the follow- 
ing aggregate : 

Exports coastwise 12,207,582 

Exports foreign 15,415 

Total exportation S2,222,997 

The entire commerce of the port in the same year amounts 
to a total value of $4,206,483. 

The licensed and enrolled tonnage amounts to 7,882 tons. 



TONNAGE OF SHIPPING OWNED AT THE PORT OF PRESQU'ILE 
IN THE SPRING OF 1860. 



Class of Vessels. 



Class of Vessels. 



STEAMBOATS. 

John B. W^iite (tug) 

Queen Citv 

S. C.Brooks 

Keystone State , 



Total steamboat tonnage., 

SAIL VESSELS. 



Sch. 
Sch. 
Sch. 
Sch. 
Sch. 
Sch. 
Sch. 
Sch. 
Sch. 



Post Boy 

Silas Wright (scow). 

Nortli Carolina 

Susquehanna 

Huntress 

L. D. Coman 

Mary M. Scott 

Mary Morton 

Hudson 



39 79 
I 90tj ... 
I 62 62 
1354 09 

'2362 55 



95:241 
70 02 
14171 
270 86 
350 88 
178 62 
36102 
246 48 
136 08 

185091 



Brought up 1850 91 

Sch. Arrow 281 28 

Bark American Republic....' 4-59 31 

Sch. Armada ' 235 44 

Brig Paragon 212 26 

Sch. M. Courtright ' 389 41 

Sch. Illinois 110 31 

Sch. St. James : 286 47 

Sch. St. Paul I 303 69 

Sch. Pacific 186 30 

iSch. W. A. Adair ! 81 56 

Sch. C. E. Williams ■ 156:60 

Sch. Columbia ' 165 90 

Sch. St. Andrew 444 48 

Sch. W. M. Arbuckle 170 09 

-Sch, Washington Irving Ill 44 

Sch. M. G. (scow) 60 79 

Sch. Citizen 149 60 



Total tonnage sail vessels.. .5656 42 
Total tonnage 8018 97, 



1 Schooner W. A. Adair sprang a leak on Lake Erie, ran ashore at Dun- 
kirk, and was a total loss. Her cargo was coal. 

2 The Washington Irving, Capt. Vannatta, left Erie for Buffalo July 7, 
and it is supposed foundered, as she was never atrain heard from. She had 
seven persons on board, and was heavily laden with coal, iron, oil, etc. 



HISTORY OF KRIE COUNTY. 131 

November 7, 1843, the United States steamer Michigan, of 
five hundred and thirty-eight tons, was launched ; her ton- 
nage and force being regulated by treaty with England. She 
was finished and accepted by government August 15, 1844 ; 
built entirely of iron, excepting the spar deck, which was of 
three-and-a-half inch jDine plank ; drew eight feet when ready 
for a cruise. She was pierced for twelve guns (32-pounders), 
which, with two 68-pounder Paixham guns on pivots, upon 
the quarterdeck and forecastle, made her broadside equal 
to that of a vessel mounting sixteen guns. Her engines, 
two inclined low-pressure ones, of the collective power of one 
hundred and seventy horses, were designed by Charles M. 
Copeland, United States engineer, and were very similar to 
those of the Harriet Lane. The cost of her construction to 
the United States was about $165,000. The contractors were 
Messrs. Stackhouse and Tomlinson, of Pittsburg, and the 
naval constructor, Samuel T. Hart. Her first officers were : 
Commander, William Inman ; First Lieutenant, James Mc- 
Kinstry ; Second Lieutenant, James McDougal ; Surgeon, 
Dr. P. Christie ; Purser, William A. Bloodgood ; Chief Engi- 
neer, Andrew Hibbard. T. H. Stevens, a son of Lieut. 
Stevens, in command of the Trippe in the battle of Lake Erie, 
was a past midshipman and acting master. 

In 1860 the Michigan was supplied with two new boilers of 
the Martin vertical tubular description, and her machinery 
thoroughly repaired under the supervision of chief engineer 
Zeller. 

A commission was appointed by the Secretary of the Na^'y 
to test, upon a large scale, the advantage or disadvantage of 
using steam expansively. This was in consequence of ex- 
periments having been made upon a single horse engine by 
Mr. Isherwood, and resulted in the decision that no economy 
followed the use of expanded steam. A petition was sent to 
Honorable Secretary Toucey, requesting the government to 
have the experiment tested upon a lai'ger scale. With com- 
mendable alacrity a board was appointed composed of B. F. 
Isherwood, Theo. Zeller, Robert H. Long, and Alban C. 
Stimer, chief engineers in the naval corps, and Capt. Joseph 
Lanman, executive officer of the steamer Michigan. The 



132 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

steamer Michigan, being in winter quarters at Erie, was 
placed at their disposal. 

Erie has always been the station for the revenue cutters. In 
March, 1833, one was launched of sixty-two tons ; the col- 
lector gave it the name of Lewis McLane, but the Secretary 
changed it to Erie. The Benjamin Rush, of thirty-five tons, 
was launched September, 1828, being intended for the Upper 
Lakes. 

Six revenue cutters were built in 1857, being one for each of 
the lakes ; the Jeremiah Black, of Lake Erie, was commanded 
by Capt. Ottinger. 



CHAPTER XI. 



Banks — Gas Company — Insurance — Fire Companies — Volunteer 
Military — Agriculture — Mutual Aid — Cemeteries — Moral, Benevo- 
lent, and Literary Societies. 

Banks. — The act incorporating the Erie Bank passed in 1829. 
The first officers were R. S. Reed, President ; P. S. V. Hamot, 
Cashier ; J. A. Tracy, C. M. Reed, Samuel Brown, William 
Fleming, Thomas Moorhead, Jr., E. D. Gunnison, and D. 
Gillespie, Directors. The capital stock was not to exceed 
$200,000, and it commenced business with $50,000. On the ex- 
piration of its charter, in 1850, its outstanding circulating 
notes were redeemed and its business closed. 

The United States Bank of Pennsylvania established a 
branch at Erie in 1837, to be discontinued in 1850. The first 
officers were T. H. Sill, President ; Josiah Kellogg, C. M. 
Reed, Wm. Kelly, G. A. Elliot, Samuel Hays, Wilham 
Fleming, J. G. Williams, H. J. Huidekoper, Directors ; Peter 
Benson, Cashier. When the parent institution at Philadel- 
phia failed, in 1840, William C. Curry was appointed to settle 
the affairs of the branch in Erie. 

The fine building expected for its use at an expense of 370,000, 
was purchased by the government in 18-49 for a custom house 
and post office for $29,000. The banking-house is faced with 
white marble, and has steps and columns made of the same 
material. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 133 

The Erie City Bank was incorporated in 1753, witli a capital 
of $200,000. The first officers were Smith Jackson, President ; 
C. M. Tibbals, W. A. Brown, D. S. Clark, C. Seigel, John 
Brawley, James Webster, J. H. Fullerton, Ira Sherwin, M.D., 
J. D. Clark, Charles Brandes, J. C. Beebe, Directors ; J. P. 
Sherwin, Cashier ; Brua Cameron, Bookkeeper ; S. E. Neiler, 
Teller. Suspended, 1857. 

Bank of Commerce (Erie City Bank revived) commenced 
business in April, 1858. Directors — B. Grant, President ; G. 
J. Ball, Cashier ; C. B. Wright, Vice-President ; W. F. Ein- 
dernicht, James Hoskinson, B. F. Sloan, Charles Metcalf, A. 
W. Blaine, G. F. Kuig, J. W. Douglas ; A. W. Guild, Teller. 
Suspended December, 1860. 

The Erie Gas Company was chartered March 5, 1852, with a 
capital of $60,000. This was to be divided into twelve hundred 
shares of $50 each. The Board of Directors have the privilege 
of increasing the capital from time to time, as they may deem 
necessary, to $100,000. 

The company purchased ten lots for $10,000, and expended 
$50,000 on buildings, machinery, etc. ; the gas-holder is forty- 
five feet in diameter and eighteen feet deep, and capable of 
holding thirty thousand cubic feet. Pipe, the length of three 
and a half miles, was laid in the streets ; it was first used 
August 22, 1853, by thirty-one consumers ; at the end of the 
year, by one hundred and fifty ; burners, six hundred. 

Mr. Meredith superintended the construction of the works, 
and Mr. P. Metcalf, who was the heaviest stockholder, con- 
tributed materially to the success of the enterprise. 

Insurance. — In 1834 the Erie County Mutual Insurance 
Company was incorporated (the business to be transacted at 
Erie), with the following names, and those of any other per- 
sons that might hereafter associate with them in the manner 
afterward prescribed : John A. Tracy, William Kelley, Peter 
Pierce, J. W. Hitchcock, James Williams, Smith Jackson, 
Samuel Low, Conrad Brown, Jr., B. B. Vincent, Bester Town, 
Jabez Wight, David G. Webber, and Stephen Skinner. 

The Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of Harbor Creek 
was incorporated 1857, with the following officers : John 
Dodge, President ; Peter E. Burton, Vice-President ; Henry 



134 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Gingrich, Treasurer ; Robert Henry, Secretary ; John Dodge, 
J. Y. Moorbead, Jobn W. McLaue, Calvin Leet, G. H. 
Wagoner, Jesse Saltsman, Robert Sewall, G. J. Ball, Thomas 
McKee, S. M. Brown, Henry Gingrich, Martin Warfel, and 
P. E. Burton, Directors. 

Fire. — Active Fire Company, formed February 22, 1826. R. 
S. Reed, Chief Engineer ; E. D. Gunnison, Secretary ; John 
Riddel, Treasurer. 

Red Jacket, No. 1, was formed in 1837. 

Perry and Eagle Fire Companies formed in 1839. 

Mechanics' Fire Company, No. 3, E. B. S. Landon, Secre- 
tary, formed in 1844. 

Vulcan, 1848. 

Phoenix Hook and Ladder Company, 1852. 

The Parade Street Fire Company was organized in Feb- 
ruary, 1861, in Cloughsburg. The councils entrusted to them 
the engine Pennsylvania. 

Officers of the fire department in 1859 — William Murray, 
Chief Engineer ; A. E. Yale, First Assistant ; Robert T. 
Shank, Second Assistant ; Richard Dudley, President ; John 
Constable, Jr., Vice-President; E. D. Hulbert, Secretary; G. 
A. Bennet, Water Commissioner. 

Military Coynpanies. — The first military company formed in 
Erie was the "Erie Light Infantry," in 1806; the names of 
the officers and privates were as follows : 

Officers — Captain, Thomas Forster ; Lieutenant, Thomas 
Rees ; Ensign, Thomas Stewart ; Sergeant, Thomas Wilkins ; 
Second Sergeant, John Hay ; Fifer, Rufus Clough ; Drummer, 
J. Glazier. 

Privates— Archibald McSparren, Simeon Dunn,^ Adam 
Arbuckle, George Kelley, John Sloan, William Murray, Jonas 
Duncan, John Woodside, William Duncan, George Slough, 
John Eakens, George Russel (died in 1813), John Lapsley, 
Peter Grawosz, Jacob Carmack, William Henderson, Robert 
Irwin, Ebenezer Dwinnel, John Bell, Robert McDonnel, 
Samuel Hays, Thomas Laird, Thomas Hughes, Robert 

1 Mr. Simeon Dunn was recommended to Commodore Perry in 1813 as 
capable and trustworthy, and was in his employ carrying important ex- 
press to Buffalo. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 135 

Brown, John Morris, George Buehler, William Lattimore, 
James Herron, Stephen Woolverton, Francis Scott, Thomas 
Vance. 

This company tendered its services to the President, in the 
war of 1812, and was accepted. The brigade rendezvoused at 
the Flats, near Waterford, and chose Adamson Tannehill, of 
Pittsburg, Brigadier-General. At Buffalo, where they were 
ordered, Capt. Forster was made Brigade Inspector, and 
James E. Herron chosen Captain. 

This brigade of Pennsylvania volunteers was at Buffalo 
during the winter of 1812-13, being the year before Buffalo 
was burnt. Many of the volunteers deserted — sometimes by 
whole companies. This w^as not true of the Erie Light In- 
fantry in a single instance. 

In 1808 the Presqu'ile Rangers were in existence. William 
Moore, Orderly Sergeant. 

Ei'ie Greens were organized in 1821. 

The Washington Artillery, in 1824. 

Erie Guards, in 1825. Thomas Forster, Jr., Captain. 

An Artillery company, in 1831. C. G. Howell, Captain. 

Cavalry, 1836. F. Strong, Orderly Sergeant. 

About 1841 two spirited German companies were formed : 
German Guards, Capt. Dutlinger, and the Washington Guards, 
Capt. Erhart. 

In 1842 the Wayne Greys were organized. John W. Mc- 
Lane, Captain ; William Curran, Orderly Sergeant. 

In June, 1846, the Wayne Greys held a meeting, Lieut. 
John Graham in the chair, and in consideration of a procla- 
mation of the Governor relative to the war with Mexico, 
requesting all citizens, especially those having in their 
possession public arms, to hold themselves in readiness to 
respond to the call of the Executive of the Union at a 
moment's warning, resolved to have themselves in readiness 
for any order from the Governor of the State for their services, 
and also to appoint a committee of four to i^roeure an 
armorer to put all the arms and accoutrements of the com- 
pany in complete order immediately. 

Franklin Pierce Rifle Company was organized in 1858. 

The Wayne Guards in 1859 : John W. McLane, Captain. 



136 * HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The Fairview Guards in 1858 ; T. Beckmau, Captain. 

Girard Guards, 1860 ; commanded by D. W. Hutchinson. 

Erie Perry Artillery Company, Gustavus Jarecki, Captain, 
organized in 1859. 

An agreeable incident in the history of the Wayne Guards 
occurred in Cleveland at the dedication of the Perry Monu- 
ment, September 10, 1860. After the historical address by the 
Hon. George Bancroft, the Wayne Guards were drawn up in 
front of the stand, and, in behalf of the company, Capt. 
McLane presented Mr. Bancroft with a beautiful cane. The 
presentation was made with a few remarks in ' ery good taste. 
Capt. McLane said the cane was made of wood from Com. 
Perry's flag-ship, the Lawrence. The Wayne Guards, he said, 
were proud to honor the hero, and the historian whose grace- 
ful pen preserved untarnished the luster of the heroic deeds of 
1813. 

Mr. Bancroft accepted the gift in a few felicitous remarks. 
He was happy to receive the memento from the Guards, and 
particularly as they boi*e the name of one ever to be revered, 
brave in 'battle, correct and kind in private life. He should 
keep the cane while he lived, and bequeath it to his son with 
an injunction to cherish it, and remember that it came to him 
with the benediction of the Guards. It would comfort the 
few years of old age yet left to him. 

The whole transaction passed off very pleasantly, and at the 
close of Mr. Bancroft's remarks he was greeted by cheers, 
which were repeated for the Wayne Guards. 
. The gold head of the cane was the work of Mr. T. M. 
Austin, of Erie, and cost one hundred dollars, and was beauti- 
fully wrought. On one side was engraved "September 10, 
1813. We have met the enemy and they are ours." On the 
other, " Wayne Guards of Erie to Honorable George Bancroft, 
at the inauguration of the Perry Statue, September 10, 1860. 
' Perry's fleet was built at, sailed from, and returned to Erie.' 
American patriotism embalms the memories of its heroes." 

In November, the Guards had the pleasure of receiving from 
Mr. Bancroft eight volumes of his History of the United 
States, superbly bound in Turkey morocco and gilt, accom- 
panied by the followirig note : 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 137 

" New York, October, 1860. 
'■^Ca2^t. John McLane, and the Wayne Guards of Erie : 

" Dear Sirs : — The very great pleasure and enduring satis- 
faction which. I derived from my friendly interview with you 
at Cleveland, excites in me a strong desire to secure a perma- 
nent place in your memory. For that purpose, I beg your 
acceptance of tlie volumes which accompany this note. 
Accept, also, I entreat j'ou, very sincere assurances of grateful 
and affectionate regard from 

" Your friend, 

"George Bancroft." 

Agriculture, etc. — In 1820 a Mechanical Association was 
formed, S. Ball, Secretary, the object of which was to improve 
the condition of mechanics. 

In 1822 an Agricultural and Mechanical Society was organ- 
ized, which held one or two fairs or exhibitions. The first 
officers were : Judah Colt, President ; Charles J. Reed, Treas- 
urer ; G. Sanford, Secretary ; Jolm Vincent, Waterford, R. S. 
Reed, Erie, Wm. Miles, Union, Martin Strong, McKean, Ben- 
jamin Russell, Mill Creek, Elisha Marvin, Greenfield, Moses 
Barnet, Fairview, John McCord, Northeast, Simeon Leet, 
Harbor Creek, and Mathias Brindle, Springfield, Directors. 

Tlie members contributed one dollar each, and the county 
fifty dollars ; seventy-eight dollars wei'e paid out in premiums, 
which were awarded for farming commodities and domestic 
manufactures. The highest premium was eight dollars, wlaich 
was offered for the best two acres of wheat. In the words of 
the Gazette, " the exhibition of stock was large, and we can 
safely say was not surpassed in quality at any exhibition in 
the State, But few articles of domestic manufacture were 
offered, but these were worthy of notice." 

The Mill Creek and Erie Agricultural and Manufacturing As- 
sociation was formed in April, 1842, Robert Cochran, Secretary. 

The Agricultural Society Mas formed in 1848, and the fol- 
lowing offcers elected : John Brawley President ; J. C. Spencer 
Treasurer, and J. D. Dunlap Secretary. The first fair was held 
at the market house, and $150 offered in premiums. These were 
increased every year. A flag was offered to the town entitled 
to the largest number of premiums, whicli was found to be 



138 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Harbor Creek. Next, an agricultural library was offered on 
the same conditions, and Harbor Creek again claimed the 
prize, but generously donated the books to the County Society. 

In 1860 this society was merged into a joint stock association, 
chartered by the Court of Common Pleas, styled the Erie 
County Agricultural Society for the promotion of agriculture, 
manufactures, fine and useful arts, with $5,000 capital, to be 
afterward increased as the society should determine. The 
capital stock to be represented by shares of ten dollars each, 
the first stock to be invested in the purchase and improvement 
of thirty acres of ground. The land purchased was in East 
Mill Creek, being a part of the farm of Mr. Ebersole. A build- 
ing designed to be a wing of the main building was completed 
in 1860. When the first fair was held, $355 were awarded in 
premiums. 

Hon. James Miles in 1855 made an offer of 200 acres of land, 
situated in Girard township, to the State Agricultural Society, 
provided that organization locate an agricultural college on 
said land. To this was added an offer to sell land adjoining 
at a reasonable rate if required. 

The Pennsylvania Farm School was located in Centre 
County, and in 1858 the Agricultural Society of this county 
voted $1,000 to its support. 

The Union Agricultural Society of Girard adopted its consti- 
tution July 15, 1856, and at its first fair in September offered 
$170 in premiums. This society was intended as an auxiliary 
and not a rival of the Erie County Society, and was instituted 
in view of the distance of the western and southwestern town- 
ships from Erie. At the sixth annual meeting the following 
officers were chosen : P. Osborne, President ; Wm. Cross, J. 
W. Blair, J. Eobertson, \V. W. Eaton, Wm. Holliday, C. 
Bowman, A. Frances, S. Washburn, C. Leet, A. Nicholson, 
Vice-Presidents ; H. Ball, Treasurer ; J. McClure, Recording 
Secretary ; H. Hart, Corresponding Secretary. 

The Wattsburg Agricultural Society was formed in 1856. 

Masons. — Wayne Lodge, No. 112, was instituted in 1813. G. 
Sanford, Master ; T. Rees and Dr. J. C.Wallace, Wardens ; R. 
S. Reed, Treasurer. 

Presqu'ile Lodge was organized in 1852. H. Pelton, W. M., 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 139 

Dr. William F. Owen, of Spring, in February, 1861, was 
apijointed T>. D. G. H. P. for the counties of Erie and Craw- 
ford. 

Presqu'ile Lodge (Odd Fellows), No. 107. In 1859, the 
officers were William Mallory, N. G.; John Graham, V. G.; 
John Sweeney, Recording Secretary ; G. A. Bennet, Financial 
Secretary ; John Abell, Treasurer. 

Philallelia Lodge, No. 299. Otis N. Gray, N. G. ; A. T. 
Thomas, V. G. ; A. M. Tarbell, Secretary ; A. M. Guild, 
Treasurer. 

Officers of the German Beneficial Society, in 1859, were A. 
T. Fiesler, President ; F. Fiesler, Vice-President ; Michael 
Koch, First Secretary ; and F. M. Wagner, Treasurer. 

Erie Temple of Honor, No. 5, a temperance association, was 
instituted in 1854, Wm. A. Galbraith, Esq., being the first 
W. C. T. It was reorganized in 1859 as No. 9. In 1861 the 
officers were A. H. Caughey, D. G. W. T.; James Lytle, W. C. 
T.; E. P. Bennett, W. V. T. and W. R.; John Fairburn, W. 
F. R. A lodge of the Good Templars, which had been in 
prosperous operation for two or three years, was merged into 
the Temple of Honor at its reorganization. 

Exodus Lodge, No. 343, I. O. of G. T.; Edgar Olin, Degree 
Master ; in existence at Girard in 1855. 

Constellation Lodge, No. 210, I. O. of G. T., at Springfield. 

In 1846 the society of Odd Fellows, still in existence, was 
organized in Waterford ; there were also at one time organi- 
zations of the Temple of Honor, Sons of Temperance, and 
Good Templars. 

Northeast Odd Fellows' Lodge, No. 412, established in 1850. 
Number of members, 92 ; of P. G., 17. 

Albion Lodge, No. 376, I. O. O. F., was probably established 
about the same time. 

The St. George's Benevolent Society of Erie has for its 
object charity to its sick members. Officers in 1861 — Jacob 
Botj^, President ; J. Singer, Vice-President ; M. Knoll, First 
Secretary ; P. Rochenwald, Second Secretary ; P. Schotten, 
Treasurer. 

Cemeteries. — On the 6th of July, 1801, a number of persons 
collected at Greenfield to cut and clear off about an acre of 



140 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ground for a burying-place. These were Enoch Marvin, 
Joseph Shadack and family, Henry and Dyer Loomis, Samuel, 
Hezekiah, and Philo Barker, Wm. Scott, Israel Wauever, 
James Heaton, Stephen Hazelton, Joseph Webster, Thomas 
Prentice, Dagget, and one or two others. 

In 1805 lots on the corner of Eighth and French streets were 
set apart for a burying-ground. The trustees of the United 
Presbyterian congregation paid the purchase money due the 
State for them, and after removing the bodies to the city 
cemetery, disposed of the ground to purchasers. At an early 
day we observe an Obituary Association in existence, P. S. V. 
Hamot, Secretary, which probably managed its affairs. Pre- 
vious to 1805, all interments were made on the bank of the 
lake, east of the town, where also were buried many of the 
soldiers of 1812. 

About 1826 the Presbyterian Society purchased four lots on 
Seventh and Myrtle streets for burial purposes. After the 
Erie Cemetery was opened in 1851, the graves were removed 
from this, and, by an act, the trustees of the First Presbyterian 
Church disposed of the property. 

The Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, and Lutherans also 
bad separate grounds. 

The Erie Cemetery was incorporated in 1850, and is hand- 
somely situated south of the city. It embraces seventy acres 
beautifully planned and ornamented with trees, shrubs, and 
flowers, and also contains at this time many fine monuments. 
The first managers were C. M. Reed, Williana Himrod, G. A. 
Elliot, William Kelley, A. W. Brewster, J. Galbraith, and E. 
Babbitt. G. A. Elliot was chosen President ; J. C. Spencer, 
Treasurer ; and Wm. A. Brown, Secretary. Mr. Brewster, 
who was in perfect health at the time he was made an officer, 
was the first person interred there, having died of smallpox. 

In the immediate vicinity the German Roman Catholics 
consecrated a cemetery in 1853, and likewise St. Paul's Ger- 
man Evangelical Congregation in 1859. 

The Northeast Cemetery was incorporated April 15, 1852. 
The following corporators were elected May 8 : John Brawley, 
John Schouller, James Smedley, Calvin SpafFord, John Greer, 
William Griffith, A. W. Blaine. Twelve and a half acres of 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 141 

ground were purchased of the heirs of P. S. V. Hamot, to 
which five acres were added that had been used as a burying- 
grouiid for nearly fifty years. It is liandsoniely designed. 

In Girard application was made by several citizens for an 
act of incorporation to establish a cemetery at or near that 
borough. The application was granted March 14, 1861. 

Moral and Benevolent. — A Moral Society was organized at 
Waterford, December, 1815. The object, as expressed in the 
preamble, being to aid each other, and strengthen the hands 
of the magistrates in the suppression of vice and immorality, 
by every prudent, and, if necessary, by every legal method, 
hoping to meet the approbation of God, and the assistance of 
good men of every political sentiment and religious denomi- 
nation. Officers — Rev. John Mathews, Chairman ; Dr. Wm. 
Bacon, Secretary ; Amos Judson, Treasurer ; George W. Reed 
and Henry Woodworth, Corresponding Committee ; John 
Boyd, Esq., John Way, Esq., Archibald Watson (elder), and 
Capt. Martin Strong, Standing Committee. 

The County Bible Society was organized in 1824, and has, 
without intermission, fulfilled its duties to the present time. 
The first officers were Rev. Johnston Eaton, President ; Rev. 
R. Reid, Vice-President ; E, D. Gunnison, Treasurer ; G. 
Selden, Secretary ; Managers, William Gould, Robert Porter, 
John McCord, Col. Joseph Selden, Judah Colt, Robert Mc- 
Clelland, Gen. John Phillips, Rev. Oliver Alfred, Rev. R. C. 
Hatton, James Flowers, Philip Bristol, and G. Sanford. At 
the thirty-seventh annual meeting, in 1861, Rev. G. A. Lyon, 
D.D., was chosen President ; S. S. Spencer, Secretary ; and 
J. C. Seldon, Treasurer. The amount of receipts for the 
year, $750.18 ; disbursements for the same period, $514.13 ; 
balance in treasury, $522.28 ; value of Bibles and Testaments 
purchased during the year, $134.60 ; amount sold and donated, 
$120.43 ; amount in value at depository, $289.48. 

In 1828 a Colonization Society was organized in Erie, but 
was sustained only a few years. Rev. Robert Reid, President ; 
G. A. Elliot, Secretary ; Rev. D. McKinney, Josiah Kellogg, 
R. O. Hulbert, and G. Selden were a committee to solicit sig- 
natures. In the spring of 1860, Alex. Simms, wife, and eight 
children, with eight other colored persons from Erie County, 



142 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

left for Africa under the auspices of tlie Pennsylvania society. 
In 1836 a Colonization Society was formed at Northeast. 
Henry Frey, President ; John Brawley, Vice President ; J. D. 
Dunlap, Secretary, and Clai'k Putnam, Treasurer. The same 
year a County Anti-Slavery Society was formed, Col. James 
Moorhead, President, and William Gray, Secretary ; and also 
one at Northeast, Truman Tuttle, President; James Duncan, 
Vice-President ; Dr. E. Smedley, Secretary, and R. L. Loomis, 
Treasurer. 

About the same time an anti-abolition meeting was called at 
Springfield, H. G. Davis in the chair, and Daniel G. Webber, 
Secretary. The meeting in its resolutions highly approved of 
the Colonization Society, but not of a crusade against the 
South. 

About 1824 a Female Tract Society was formed in Erie, which 
was useful for many years. Mrs. J. Colt, Directress ; Mrs. G. 
Sanford, Treasurer ; Miss E. Wight, Secretary. 

At Wattsburg a Tract Society was formed in 1828, Rev. A. 
McCreary, President ; James Nelson, Secretary, and Wm. K. 
Black, Treasurer. 

A society was formed in Erie in 1844 for abolishing capital 
punishment. In 1845 a committee, composed of Irvin Camp, 
W. H. Knowlton, Smith Jackson, Oliver Spafford, and Wm. 
A. Galbraith, gave notice that they would meet a committee 
who might be appointed to discuss the question, "Ought capi- 
tal punishment to be abolished in Pennsylvania?" The 
question was discussed at the courthouse, and excited general 
interest ; John Galbraith and Irvin Camp in the atflrmative, 
Elijah Babbitt and J. H. Walker, negative, and James C. 
Marshall, Moderator. 

A Lady's Benevolent Society was formed in 1843, which for 
many years possessed the confidence of the public, and relieved 
much suffering. 

In 1845 a Sabbath Convention was called that resulted in the 
organization of a Sabbath Association, which for several years 
held meetings, and attempted to promote the better observance 
of the Sabbath by travelers, on the canal, lakes, etc. 

The Erie City Tract Society, which represented five evan- 
gelical denominations, and had for its object tract distribution 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 143 

and aid to the poor, was active for seven years. It was formed 
in 1854, with the following ofScers : D. S. Clark, President ; 
W. F. Liddell and J. D. Dunlap, Vice-Presidents ; Rev. Joseph 
Pressley, M. R. Barr, James Metcalf, C. Doll, and M, B. Cook, 
Managers. 

Among so many efforts to repress vice, we are sorry to 
record one attempt to promote immorality. In 1840 a petition 
was sent to the Legislature from the county, signed by forty 
persons, asking that the Sabbath might be abolished, to legal- 
ize blasphemy, and extend the privilege of giving testimony 
in court to all persons, whether believers or not. 

Temperance societies were formed in Erie and Wattsburg in 
1829, and in Wayne Township in 1832, which year the county 
society had seven hundred and forty-two members. Judah 
Colt, President ; R. McClelland, Vice-President ; R. O. Hul- 
bert, Secretary ; G. Selden, Treasurer ; G. Sanford, Hugh Wil- 
son, William Gray, John Cook, Chauncey Graves, Benjamin 
Whitley, Ira Phelps, James Smedley, Samuel Beedy, James 
Nelson, and Rev. Edson Hart, Managers. 

In 1840 they had a temperance society in most of the town- 
ships. In 1842 the jailer complained (as his apartments were 
vacant) that the temperance people had combined to injure 
the business of the house. 

In 1851 a Division of Sons of Temperance was formed, 
which continued in operation for several years. 

In 1852 a Harp and Shamrock Temperance Society was 
formed. J. W. Duggen, President. 

One hundred ladies of the first standing in Erie and in 
Wattsburg petitioned for a prohibitory liquor law in 1853. 

The same year, Cadets of Temperance appeared in Erie, 
being a society of youths between twelve and eighteen years 
of age, with rules similar to those of the Sons of Temperance ; 
they were also to abstain from tobacco, profane language, etc- 

The Carson League, formed in 1854, was an efficient aid to 
temperance. 

The " Young Men's Christian Association " was formed in 
September, 1860. A. McD. Lyon, President ; S. E. Blackall, 
Secretary ; A. H. Caughey, Corresponding Secretary ; C. E. 
Gunnison, Treasurer ; James Metcalf, Librarian. It numbered 



144 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

about fifty members. Besides tbe usual religious work of 
such a society, a course of first-class literary and scientific 
lectures was sustained during the winter of 1860-61. A 
general reading room was opened in May, 1861, for the free use 
of the young men of the city, a subscription of $175 having 
been raised for the purpose of establishing the enterprise on a 
substantial basis. The library of the Irving Literary Insti- 
tute, consisted of about seven hundred volumes, and was 
placed in their hands. 

In 1828 quite a respectable contribution was made to the 
Greeks from Erie and vicinity, and several jiublic meetings 
held. We regret that the particulars were not published. 

In 1847, for the relief of Ireland, $150 from officers and sea- 
men of United States steamer Michigan, $50 from the revenue 
cutter, and $79 from the other ship hands at tbe port were 
acknowledged. Gen. C. M. Reed gave notice that he M'ould 
store and transport to Buffalo, free of charge, all grain in- 
tended for this object. A meeting was also called in Water- 
ford, and about $2,000 in provisions were shipped from the 
port of Erie. 

In February, 1861, $1,000 were collected in Erie for the 
Kansas sufferers. For this benevolent object, Waterford sub- 
scribed $155 ; Girard, $100 ; Springfield township, $500 ; Belle 
Valley, $15 ; probably in all $2,500 from Erie County. 

Among the German Roman Catholics was a school society, 
the object of which was to give educational advantages to 
poor children. John Gensheimer, President ; C. Englehard, 
Vice-President ; F. Schlaudecker, Secretary ; F. PeifTer, Treas- 
urer. 

Literary. — In 1806 thirty of the citizens of Erie formed 
themselves into a library company, Judah Colt being Presi- 
dent ; Thomas Forster, James Baird, John C. Wallace, and 
William Wallace, Directors ; and Thomas Forster, Librarian. 
The company at first expended $200 for standard works, and 
the institution was well sustained for several years. In 1821 
an effort was made to revive it, but without success. The 
books were loaned to the Irving Literary Institute. 

In 1826 there was a Franklin Literary Association ; T. 
Moorhead, Jr., Librarian. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 145 

In 1833 the Conneauttee Library Company (Edinboro) was 
incorporated. 

In the winter of 1835, a lyceum held its meetings first at the 
Erie Academy and afterward at the courthouse, interesting tlie 
inhabitants by the debates and literary exercises of tlie mem- 
bers. The Apprentices' Literary Society originated about 1839, 
with fifty members and a library of one hundred and ten 
volumes, and soon after had a course of' lectures. In 1841 an 
Adelphic Literary Society existed ; A. King, Corresponding 
Secretary. The Irving Literary Institute had a nucleus for an 
excellent library. It was organized in 1843 by the union of 
the Apprentices' and Adelphic Societies. 

In 1859 a Young Men's Literary Association was formed at 
Girard, and about the same time a literary union at Water- 
ford, which sustained courses of lectures. 

At West Mill Creek an association called Custos Morum 
(Guardian of Morality) was formed in April, 1860, with twenty- 
five members ; Jackson McCreary, President. The object of 
the society was to procure a library, and for intellectual cul- 
ture. 

A Youths' Literary Society at Northeast has existed since 
1858. 

A County Medical Society was formed in 1829. Dr. William 
Johns, President ; Dr. A. Thayer, Vice-President ; Dr. F. M. 
Miller, Recording and Corresponding Secretary ; Dr. A. Beebe, 
Treasurer ; Dr. J. Smedley, Dr. J. Vosburg, and Dr. A. N. 
Molton, Censors. 

In 1836 the Presqu'ile hospital was incorporated, the act to 
continue in force for the term of twenty years. It was ex- 
pected a medical college and a medical society would form a 
part of the establishment, with a lunatic asylum and an 
asylum for the deaf and dumb. In consequence of the de- 
pression in business affairs soon after, the project was aban- 
doned. 

A County Geological Society was formed in 1843. G. San- 
ford, President ; J. D. Dunlap, Vice-President ; L. G. Olm- 
stead, Corresponding Secretary ; William C. Kelso, Recording 
Secretary ; and J. C. Spencer, Treasurer ; William Fuller, 
Keeper of the Cabinet and Library ; Jacob Vosburg, Peter 



146 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Pierce, Galen Foster, J, B. Johnson, and Richard Sill, Mem- 
bers of the Executive Committee. 

The objects of the society were commendable, and it is to be 
regretted that it had an existence of but a year or two. As 
stated in the constitution, the society were to thoroughly 
survey the county in order to develop its mineral wealth and 
resources ; for the advancement of geology and the collateral 
branches of natural science, and the promotion of intercourse 
between those who cultivated them. 

In 1846 the citizens assembled in town meeting at the court- 
house, B. B. Vincent in the chair, and Carson Graham, 
Secretary, and resolved that the public square be planted with 
trees. E. Babbitt, W. C. Lester, C. McSparreu, and S. Jack- 
son were appointed a committee to cooperate with the town 
authorities in carrying out the resolution. 

A reading room association was formed in 1850, B. B. Vin- 
cent, President, but, for want of adequate support, was discon- 
tinued in a few months. 

In 1852 a city hall association was incori^orated for the pur- 
pose of erecting a building for the accommodation of the city 
authorities, as well as for lectures, benevolent societies, a read- 
ing room, etc. 

A sacred music society was formed in 1858. John Galbraith, 
President ; Thomas Stewart, Sr., Vice-President ; H. Catlin, 
Secretary ; and J. L. Lints, Treasurer. 

In 1852 the Erie County Education Society, for the advance- 
ment of education, was in existence ; C. W. Kelso, President, 
and J. W. Wetmore, Secretary. 

In 1855 the Girard Lyceum was formed ; Harmon D. Hunt, 
Secretary. 

The Arion Musical Society was organized in Erie in 1860. 



CHAPTEE XII. . 

Neivspapers — Common Schools — Acadetnies — Normal School — Sab- 
bath School — First Protestant Missionaries West of Utica — Mora- 
via7is in Venango County, 1767 — First Religious Service in Erie 
County — First Church Edifice — A Meligiotis Experience — Presby- 
tery of Erie — Revs. Patterson and Eaton — Extract from Rev. A, 
H. Carrier's Historical Sermon — Rev. R. Reid — Churches of 
different Deyiominations in Erie — Revivals. 

Newspapers. — The first newsijaper, The Mirror, is dated 
May 21, 1808, George Wyeth, printer. In size it was ten 
inches by sixteen ; terms, two dollars semi-annually, in ad- 
vance. It advocated the Federal Constitutional Rejiublican 
party, whose candidates at that time were James Ross, for 
Governor ; Alexander W. Foster, Congress ; and John W. 
Hunter and William Wallace for Assembly. The Mirror was 
discontinued after a two years' existence. 

In 1813 R. J. Curtis established the Northern Sentinel (the 
size of a sheet of foolscap), and in 1815 made arrangements for 
removing his establishment to Detroit. For want of encour- 
agement he failed to accomplish his j)urpose, and in 1816 re- 
commenced business in Erie, having changed the name of his 
paper to the Genius of the Lakes. The name of John Morris 
was added as publisher. The " terms, two dollars and fifty 
cents by post I'ider — if neglected to the end of the year, three 
dollars. ' ' 

The Erie Patriot was issued in 1818 by Zeba Willis, and 
continued one year. It was then removed to Cleveland, and 
made the basis of the Cleveland Herald, Mr. Howe being 
associated in its publication. 

In 1819 Mr. Curtis enlarged his paper and called it the 
Phoenix and Erie Reftector. This was soon removed to May- 
ville. New York, and discontinued in April, 1820. 

Mr. Curtis, in speaking of his editorial experience in Erie, 

147 



148 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

says : " For two or three years during the war I had a very 
good support, but afterward it was poor indeed. Tlie most of 
my subscribers paid in produce. For six months I taught 
school and printed my paper at tlae same time, with the 
assistance only of an apprentice and my sister." We might 
suppose a newspaper published in Erie during the war would 
contain interesting information ; but it was not the case, as 
the government prohibited the publication of facts which 
might have been suggestive to the enemy. 

In January, 1820, the Erie Gazette was published by Joseph 
M. Sterrett. In 1822 James Buchanan was editor for six 
months. In 1825 J. Hoge Waugh, for a short time ; and in 
1836 John Shaner was associated in its publication. In 1842 J. 
P. Cochran and G. W. Riblet took charge. I. B. Gara became 
associated with Joseph M. Sterrett in 1846. In politics it has 
been Anti-Masonic, Whig, and Republican. 

The Erie Observer, a Democratic paper, was issued in 1830, 
T. B. Barnvim, editor. H. L. Harvey being editor in 1836, 
issued a specimen daily paper, to be continued provided there 
was sufficient encouragement. In 1848 a paper was issued tri- 
weekly for several months. Thomas Laird, H. Beebe, J. M. 
Keuster, and S. W. Randall were successively editors. In 1840 
it passed into the hands of Durlin & Sloan. Mr. Durlin with- 
drew from the firm in 1855 and removed to Wisconsin. The 
paper passed into the hands of Mr. Andrew Hopkins, Jan- 
uary 1, 1861. 

The Erie Chronicle, a conservative Whig paper, was issued 
by S. Perley in 1840. In 1855 the editor removed to Girard 
and revived the Oirard Republican. 

The Oirard Free Press was first issued in 1845, being neutral 
in politics. S. D. Carpenter, editor. November 7, 1854, T. C. 
Wheeler and William S. Finch purchased the interest of L. F. 
Andrews in the Oirard Express, and commenced the publica- 
tion of the Oirard Republican. The conservative character 
of the paper was indicated by the motto, "Independent on all 
subjects, rabid on none." As we have mentioned, Mr. Perley 
took charge of the paper in 1855. 

In 1846 J. P. Cochran commenced the publication of the 
Commercial Advertiser, which was Whig in politics. After 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 149 

his death it passed in 1852 into the hands of A. H. Caughey, 
who continued its publication for a year and a half and then 
sold it to J. B. Jolinson, who gave it the name of the Consti- 
tution. In 1855 the press was destroyed by a mob — an out- 
growth of tlie railroad excitement. Tlie Constitution was 
continued by R. L. White, and for a few months was issued 
daily — being the first experiment of the kind. The Daily 
Bulletin, as it was called, suspended issue in 1858. The large 
number of weeklies issued in Erie probably accounted for the 
want of success in daily or tri-weekly papers. 

The Herald, a monthly temperance paper in quarto form, 
was published at the office of the Commercial Advertiser 
during the year 1852. 

In 1853 the True Atneriean appeared, Compton & Moore, 
editors. From the first this paper gave temperance and 
anti-slavery a large share of attention. In 1855 this and tlie 
Erie Chronicle merged into one ; James Perley and Henry 
Catlin, publishers. 

The Unscre Welt (Our World), a German paper, was first 
published by Carl Benson, in 1851. Its name was changed to 
Frei Presse about 1856. It advocated Fremont and Lincoln 
for Presidents. 

In 1852 the Zushauer (Spectator) appeared ; Mr. Scheufflen, 
editor. In 1855 C. Moeser took charge, and in 1861, Ernst 
Sturzneckle. This paper was at first Whig in politics, but 
became independent. Both the German papers were under 
Protestant influence. 

In 1859 the Express appeared, with E. C. Goodrich editor ; 
this w'as soon merged into the True American, afterwards ed- 
ited by H. Catlin. 

The Watei'ford Museum, Mr. Lewis, editor, changed its 
name to the Enquirer in 1857, Amos Judson, publisher and 
editor ; in 1858 it suspended issue for a few months on account 
of the ruinous rates at w^hich it was afforded ; recommenced 
with Judson and Lynn, editors ; afterward alone by C. R. H. 
Lynn. 

The Northeast Guard was published for a few months in 
1855. 

Two newspapers were issued in Edinboro in 1855 : the Oem 



150 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

expired in 1856, and the Museum was removed to Waterford 
the same year. The Edinboro Exiwess appeared in 1859, at 
fifty cents per year; Henry Lick, editor; "independent on 
all occasions, neutral in nothing." Issued the last number 
December 29, 1860, the materials having been sold to Mr. 
Clute, who was expecting to publish a paper at Three Rivers, 
Michigan. 

In 1851 the Waterford Dispatch was issued at Waterford ; 
Joseph S. M. Young, editor. In 1856 the paper was removed 
to Erie and called the Erie City Dispatch. It was independent 
on all subjects, and was said to have a larger circulation than 
any other paper in Northwestern Pennsylvania. 

In 1855 we hear of the Native American, a monthly at 
Edinboro. 

Schools. — April 2, 1831, a law passed the Legislature of 
Pennsylvania introducing our present system of education for 
all. At that time it was shown that out of 400,000 children in 
the State, more than 2-50,000 capable of instruction were not 
within a school the previous year. This was not for want of 
effort in that direction. 

In 1809 an act was passed to provide for the education of the 
poor, and in 1824 an act that it was hoped would prove eflfec- 
tual, but which was repealed in 1826. 

In 1834 an act was passed designating the Secretary of the 
Commonwealth as Superintendent, and, including other 
valuable provisions, stating that $546,563 had accumulated 
under the act of 1831. 

Next came the act of 1836, " to consolidate and amend the 
several acts," to settle the mode of taxation, and the applica- 
tion of the whole for school puri)oses. The fund accumulated 
since 1831 was set apart, and a fund from the State treasury 
I)ledged for school purj^oses, and the system became a settled 
fact as a part of the policy of the State. 

In 1854 the election for county suijerintendents was provided 
for in each county. 

In 1848-49 the provisions of the law were extended over non- 
accepting districts, as it had been previously optional. 

In 1849 an act to provide for the training of teachers for the 
common schools of the State was passed, and the State was di- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 151 

vided into twelve normal school districts — Lawrence, Mereer, 
Venango, Crawford, and Erie were made the twelfth district. 

William H. Armstrong, of Wattsburg, was elected to the 
office of Superintendent of Common Schools in Erie County, 
with a salary of §800, and was re-elected in 1857. In 1860 L. 
Savage, of Springfield, was elected his successor. 

According to the seventh census rei^ort, Erie County had, in 
1850, 7 academies, with 13 teachers, S75 pupils, and an annual 
income of §3,357. Public schools, 293, with 308 teachers, 9,928 
pupils, and an income from taxes, etc., of §22,120. In 1857 the 
number of schoolhouses in the county was 276 ; 34 were M'ell 
adapted to the purpose, 120 capable of being improved, and 102 to 
be rejected. Erie had three graded schools, and Northeast one. 

According to the eighth census report (which we have only 
in part), Waterford boi'ough had 2 schools ; Northeast 
borough, 1 ; Girard borough, 1, and 1 academy ; Wattsburg 
borough, 1 ; Union, 2 ; Wesleyville, 1 ; Girard township, 16 ; 
Springfield township, 15, and 1 academy ; Franklin township, 
10; Fairview township, 11, and about 500 pupils; Summit 
township, 8, and 160 pupils ; McKean townshijD, 11, and 511 
pupils ; Le Boeuf, 11, and 258 pupils ; Washington township, 
14, and 642 pupils ; Greenfield township, 8, and 342 pupils ; 
Amity township, 8, and 424 pupils ; Venango township, 10, 
and 488 pupils ; Wayne township, 12, and 504 i)upils ; Union 
townshij), 12, and 752 pupils ; Concord township, 9, and 417 
pupils ; Harbor Creek township, 17 ; Greene township, 8, and 
450 pupils ; Northeast township, 16, and 1,083 pupils ; Water- 
ford township, 15, and 450 pupils. 

The State Superintendent of Schools reports, for the year 
ending June 4, 1860, as follows : Erie County — 

Whole number of schools 288 

Number j-et required 6 

Average number of months taught 6-8 

Number of male teachers 157 

Number of female teachers 232 

Scholars learning German 167 

Average attendance of scholars 8195 

Cost of teaching each scholar per month SO 51 

Tax levied for school and building purposes 812,053 25 

State appropriation 3,922 70 

Received from collectors .35,747 95 

Cost of instruction a5,696 44 

Fuel and contingencies 4,040 25 

Cost of schoolhouses 14,824 76 



152 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

In Erie a fine schoolhouse for the East Ward was completed 
in 1859, at a cost of $20,000. In this building there are ten 
teachers and about five hundred scholars. German, algebra, 
geometry, chemistry, and philosophy are attended to among 
the higher branches. 

The "West Ward has, besides the principal school, a branch 
in the upper part of the city which is considered and num- 
bered as such. In this ward there are eight teachers and 
about five hundred and thirty pupils ; a library of three hun- 
dred and fifty volumes belongs to the school. 

There is a school for boys attached to the German Roman 
Catholic church, which is divided into two departments, 
English and German, and has at present over one hundred 
scholars. 

A school for girls was conducted by the Sisters of St. 
Benedict, who in 1861 completed their new convent in con- 
nection with tlie church. It has three school rooms, well 
arranged and provided with maps, globes, etc., and four 
teachers, two being English and two German. The name 
of the Prioress is Sister Scholastica Burkhard. The ordi- 
nary English branches are taught, with Christian doctrine, 
sacred history, drawing, instrumental music, embroidery^ 
etc. 

In August, 1804, the lot in Erie, No. 1378, corner of Holland 
and Seventh streets, where the East Ward schoolhouse now 
stands, was purchased from the State for the use of Presqu'ile 
Academy, in the name of James Baird. The only stock- 
holders known were Daniel Dobbins, Thomas Stewart, and 
Samuel Hays. A school committee was in existence in 
1805. 

In 1806 the first schoolhouse was built of hewn logs by John 
Greenwood. Thirty dollars had been collected from citizens 
for this purpose. Erie had about one hundred inhabitants 
who resided mostly in that vicinity. The names of the 
teachers were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Blossom, Dr. Nathaniel 
Eastman, and, in 1812, Mr. Ebenezer Gunnison. 

In 1811 Waterford Academy was incorporated. The trustees 
appointed by the Legislature were John Vincent, John Boyd, 
John Lytle, Aaron Himrod, Charles Martin, Henry Colt, and 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 153 

Amos Judson.* It was endowed with five hundred acres of 
land near the village, and fifteen in-lots ; in 1816 eight other 
in-lots were added. 

By an act of February 24, 1820, the trustees were authorized 
to sell five hundred acres at a price not less than ten dollars 
per acre, and required to vest the proceeds in some productive 
fund, the interest to be applied for the compensation of the 
teachers. 

The trustees erected their building in 1822, and in 1826 it 
was occupied as a school. 

LIST OF PRINCIPALS. 



John Wood 1826 

IrvinCamp 1832 

William Boyden 1832 

R. W. Starr 1833 

R. W. Orr 1833 

John Livingston 1834 

E. R. Geary 1835 

James Park 18S6 

J. W. Miller 1837 

Irvin Camp 1838 

William Benson, Jr 1838 

F. A. Hall 1839 

L. S. Morgan 1810 

Charles Woodruff. 1811 

R. T. Stewart 1842 



R. R. Nichols 1843 

Peter Wright 1844 

A. O. Rocliwell 1844 

James C. Reed 1845 

A.Davidson 1846 

A.Davidson 1847 

W. R. Marsh 1848 

J. H. Reed 1849 

C. J. Hutchins 18.50 

A. H. Caughey WSl 

J. R. McCasliey 1852 

S.S. Sears 1853 

J. R. Merriman 18.54-1857 

J. P. Gould 1857 

J. A. Austin 1857-1861 



The present officers are John Wood, President ; William 
Benson, Secretary ; William Judson, Treasurer ; C. C. Boyd, 
David Boyd, Miles Barnet, J. L. Cook, and J. M. White, 
Trustees. The permanent fund is $5,170.18 ; the common fund 
is $1,874.66. 

The legislative acts incorporating the Erie Academy were 
approved March 25, 1817. At the same time the State donated 
to the trustees of said Academy 500 acres of land in Millcreek 
township, adjoining the borough, and later fifteen in-lots in 
the borough of Erie and $2,000. 

At the meeting of the Board of Trustees, June 10, 1817, it was 
decided to divide the farm lands donated to the Academy into 
pieces of not less than five nor more than fifty acres. 

April 12, 1818, it was decided by a majority vote to lease 
these lands for a term of 999 years to tenants. 

1 Mr. Judson held the office of treasurer from the beginning to December 
31, 18-58. He died in "Waterford, November, 1800, aged eighty-seven, having 
resided there since 1795. Of him it was said witli truth " tliat he lived a 
blameless life, and was honest, industrious, liberal, and devoted to objects 
of public utility. " 



154 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

On Saturday, April 25, 1818, the following notice appeared 
in The Genius of the Lake, a newspaper then printed in Erie : 

"Public Notice. 

" That the Academy land situate on the Turnpike road, in the 
township of Millcreek, Erie County, will be offered on lease in 
convenient lots (with the exception of the one on which the 
schoolhouse is erected) for the term of 999 years, at public 
auction, at the house of Robert Brown, in the borough of 
Erie, on the first Wednesday of June next, when the terms 
will be made known. In the meantime, any person wishing 
to lease may see a plot of the lots by applying to Thomas For- 
ster. Esquire, at Erie. 

" By order of the Trustees. 

"Thomas Forster, Sec'y." 

There is an episode at this point in the affairs of the Erie 
Academy that does not show the most friendly spirit in the 
world to a rival scTiool. The " Walnut Creek and Millcreek 
School Association " had erected a school building on the 
public land before it was donated by the State to the Erie 
Academy. This association, as poor and struggling, no doubt, 
as any in that early day of public schools, petitioned the Erie 
trustees to set apart the fraction of a lot on which the school 
building stood and confirm them in possession of it, that the 
schoolhouse and land might remain. But the Erie trustees 
passed a resolution leasing that particular tract of land for $20 
per acre for 999 years ; and that the lessees bind themselves to 
reimburse the association for the money actually laid out in 
erecting the building. 

Oh June 3, 1818, the auction sales of the lands took place 
upon the following conditions : No bid to be considered that 
fell under the valuations previously fixed by the trustees. 
The bids to be for the lease of each acre or fraction for the 
term of 999 years ; the legal rate of interest to be paid semi- 
annually on the amount of the bid, during the term of the 
lease. 

Owing to an indisposition of some of the purchasers to take 
their leases, or from a suspicion that they had bid too low, a 
new sale was held May 4, 1819, and the lots were resold at 
lower prices than the first bids. 

The yearly interest on the pieces sold amounted to $451.44, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 155 

which was later increased by the sale of some pieces previously 
unsold. This interest, whicli was to be paid semi-annually, 
was the permanent educational fund of the Erie Academy. 
Subsequent acts of the Legislature empowered the trustees to 
give title to the lands of lessees, on payment of the price bid 
by them. 

At the next meeting of the Academy Board of Trustees, 
composed as follows : Rev. Robert Reid, President ; Thomas 
Forster, Secretary ; Rufus S. Reed, Robert Brown, Judah Colt, 
John C. Wallace, Thomas Wilson, Giles Sanford, and Thomas 
H. Sill, it was decided to begin the Academy work. Judah 
Colt, Thomas Wilson, and Thomas H. Sill were appointed a 
committee to take the matter under consideration. 

It was decided that on October 1, 1819, the Erie Academy be 
opened in Col. Forster's new house, with Rev. Robert Reid as 
principal, and Mr. Brewster as assistant, the latter teaching 
Tinder the " Lancasterian system of school-keeping," the fad of 
that day, embodying rewards and ijunishments, and so-called 
"monitors," to report bad conduct of pupils. Before the day 
set for beginniiig school, Mr. John Kelley, of Waterford, versed 
in the " Lancasterian system," was engaged as a teacher. 

On June 7, 1820, the trustees were notified that the State had 
appropriated §2,000 for a school building. 

It was found on examination that the fifteen lots donated 
by the State were not conveniently located for the Academy 
building, and the committee were instructed to examine other 
available localities, including the "public square for the 
purpose aforesaid." Plans for a building were also ordered 
prepared of these dimensions : "60 feet in length and 30 feet 
in width ; the lower story to be 12 feet in height ; the second 
story to be 11 feet in height, the structure to be either stone, 
brick, or frame." 

October 21, 1820, the proposal to sell to the trustees the four 
lots numbered 733-5, inclusive, owned by Enoch Marvin, at' 
$75 each, payable in two years without interest, for an 
Academy site, was accepted. The Legislature was asked for 
and granted the trustees permission to sell the fifteen in-lots 
donated for an Academy site, the money from the sale to be 
used in paying for the new site. 



156 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Early in the spring a contract was made with Rufus B. Reed 
for the building of a stone Academy, as per dimensions pre- 
viously stated, for the sum of $2,500, $2,000 of amount to be 
collected from money due the State on lands sold, and the 
other $500 to be paid after the building was fully completed 
and accepted by the trustees. 

In 1799, at the sale of reserved tracts adjoining Erie, Frank- 
lin, Waterford, and Warren, five hundred acres were set apart 
for the use of schools and academies. To this fund fifteen 
town lots and two thousand dollars were afterward added — 
the latter to be collected by the trustees from debts due the 
State for lands in this vicinity. In 1821 other lots in town 
were added. 

From 1819 to 1827 Erie Academy was conducted as an Eng- 
lish high school by the following principals : Rev, Robert 
Reid, John Kelley, A. W. Brewster, George Stone, E. D. Gun- 
nison, A. S. Patterson, and John Wood. In November, 1827, 
it became a classical school, conducted by the following as 
principals : 

A. E. Foster. A.M November, 1827. 

Richard Gailey, A.B April, 1836. 

James Park, A.M July, 1836. 

G. R. Huntington, A.M April, 1838. 

James Park, A.M August, 18:30. 

Lewis Bradley, A.M March, 184K 

John Limber, A.M February, 1842. 

Reid T. Stewart, A.B September, 1843. 

James C. Reid, A.B October, 1845. 

R. S. Lockwood December, 1847. 

J. H. Black, A.B September, 1848. 

J. A. Hastings, A.B October, 1851. 

Fayette Durlin, A.B December, 1851. 

C. L. Porter, A.B October, 1853. 

W. B. Carpenter December, 1854. 

W. C. Bissel August, 18.55. 

G. \V. Gunnison, A.M April, 18-56. 

L. G. Olmstead, A.M September, 1858. 

E. W. Gale, A.M September, 1860. 

This academy purchased a fine library, and chemical and 
philosophical apparatus, and a telescope seven feet in length, 
magnifying six hundred times. 

The number of pupils in attendance during the sessions of 
1859-60 was two hundred and thirty-nine, of whom one hun- 
dred and fifteen were males and one hundred and twenty-four 
females. A teachers' department has been connected with it, 
in which preparation for the profession can be obtained. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 157 

In 1838 the Erie Female Seminary was incorporated ; Robert 
Reid, G. A. Lyon, T. H. Sill, G. Selden, C. M. Reed, George 
Kellogg, A. W. Brewster, Wni. Kelley, and James Williams, 
Trustees. For a few years the State appropriated three hun- 
dred dollars annually to the supj^ort of the institution. Miss 
E. D. Field, Rev. William Fuller and lady, and Madame 
Sosnowski successively were teachers. 

Springfield Academy, at Springfield Cross Roads or East 
Springfield, is reputed to be one of the best institutions in 
Northwestern Pennsylvania. B. J. Hawkins was the first 
principal. The officers in 1858 were L. W. Savage, Principal ; 
Wilham Holliday, Thomas Webster, Dr. G. Ellis, J. Day, J. 
Teller, William Warner. 

West Springfield Academy was founded in 1853. The Trus- 
tees were Z. Thomas, S. Devereux, K. Gould, D. Mershom, S. 
Rea, Sr., G. Ferguson, J. Eagley, P. Brindle, G. Hurd. W. 
H. Heller was principal in 1857. In 1855 eighty-four males 
and eighty-one females were in attendance. The second year 
of the institution John A. Austin, with three assistants, had 
charge. James H. Colt, of Waterford, held the office in 1858, 
and C. C. Sheffield in 1859. In this institution puj)ils had 
the privileges of a full college course at a moderate expense. 
In December, 1859, the building was destroyed by fire, with 
the furniture, books, etc. 

Girard Academy was erected by a few enterprising citizens 
acquainted with the wants of the community. The building 
is of brick, finely arranged, and suiTounded by spacious 
grounds. A students' boarding-house, with rooms partially 
furnished, has been provided. The school opened with 150 
scholars. Mr. Pillsbury was the first principal, and N. J. Mc- 
Connel succeeded, and in 1857 John A. Austin. In 1858 A. C. 
Walshe had charge, who was succeeded by Mr. Couse in 1859. 
There were in 1862 three teachers and about one hundred 
scholars. The same year the Trustees were James Miles, 
Homer Hart, Henry McConnel, L. S. Jones, George Porter, 
L. Hart, G. H. Cutler, P. Osborn, and James Webster. 

The Northeast High School, under the management of P. 
H. Stewart as principal, two female assistants, and Professor 
Heimburger, teacher of languages and music, at present offers 



158 HISTORY OF EKIE COUNTY. 

rare inducements for those desirous of securing a tliorough 
and finished education. 

Edinboro has the most expensive school buildings in the 
county. Ten acres of land eligibly situated were purchased, 
and commodious buildings erected at the cost of $25,000, 
contributed by citizens of the county. There are four build- 
ings, assembly hall, academy hall, and two boarding-houses. 
The assembly hall is sixty-six feet by forty-four, and two 
stories in height, and is occupied by the model or public 
school, now numbering one hundred and twenty pupils. 
The upper story is devoted to the purposes of a lecture hall, 
and will accommodate a large audience. Academy hall is 
forty by fifty feet, and two stories in height. The upper story 
of academy hall has seven recitation rooms, and a library 
valued at one hundred dollars. The two boarding halls are 
three stories in height, and have accommodations for three 
hundred students, the dormitories being partially furnished. 

The trustees of the academy, in 1857, when the first frame 
was erected, were P. Burlinghame, E. W. Gerrish, F. C. 
Vunk, Lewis Vorse, C. Reeder, J. W. Campbell, and jS". Clute. 

The Board of Trustees of the Edinboro Normal School ap- 
plied, on December 3, 1860, to the Superintendent of Common 
Schools, for inspection and recognition, under the "act to 
provide for the training of teachers for the connnon schools of 
the State." Hon. Joseph Ritner, of Cumberland County ; J. 
R. McClintock, Allegheny ; H. L. Diffenbach, Clinton ; J. 
Turney, Westmoreland, were appointed Inspectors, and the 
several county superintendents composing the Twelfth 
Normal School District were duly notified to attend for the 
inspection and examination of the school, on January 23, 
1861. After a careful Inspection of its arrangements and 
facilities for instruction, the school was found to have fully 
complied with the provisions of the act, and was officially 
recognized as the State Normal School of the Twelfth Dis- 
trict, composed of the counties of Erie, Venango, Mercer, and 
Lawrence, by the name of the Northwestern Normal School ; 
is to enjoy all the privileges and immunities, and be subject to 
all the liabilities and restrictions contained in the act and its 
supplements. The institution is under the guidance and con- 



I 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 159 

trol of Prof. Thompson. The trustees had reasons to expect 
an appropriation of $10,000 from tlie State — the Legislature, 
however, appropriated to the institution but $5,000. 

The first Sabbath sclaool in the county was established in 
1817, at Moorheadville, in a log sclioolhouse, which was re- 
moved in 1857. Rev. Mr. Morton, now of Corning, New York, 
and Col. James Moorhead were the founders. 

As Erie has now a dozen Sunday schools and more than one 
thousand scholars, it is interesting to note the small begin- 
nings of this excellent institution. Mrs. J. Colt, who had re- 
turned from a visit in New England where these schools were 
being introduced, suggested the subject in Erie. Mrs. R. S. 
Reed and Mrs. Carr were the first teachers, and the few girls 
constituting the school met alternately at the houses of Mrs. 
Colt and Mrs. Reed. The brothers of the girls soon asked to 
be admitted. Fears were entertained that boys would be 
difficult to manage, but these vanished and the school rapidly 
increased in numbers. Col. Forster tendered for its use a 
vacant room on his premises, which was accepted. In order 
to systematize the matter and place it on a more permanent 
basis, a call was made on the citizens to assemble at the court- 
house, March 25, 1821, for the purpose of forming a Sunday 
school and moral society. The following gentlemen were 
appointed a committee to draft a constitution, to be submitted 
at an adjourned meeting, viz.: R. S. Reed, T. H. Sill, and G. 
A, Elliot. The committee reported as follows : 

"Whereas, the united testimony of all Christians confirms 
the importance of instructing the rising generation in the 
principles of religion, as they are contained in the Holy 
Scriptures ; and as the most happy consequences have re- 
sulted from the Sunday schools established in Great Britain 
and America, and wishing to see one of these excellent 
establishments brought into operation among ourselves, there- 
fore, we whose names are annexed to this paper do cheerfully 
unite and promise to adopt, as the basis of our union, the 
following articles," etc. The substance of the articles was as 
follows : 

That a committee of three persons be appointed to provide 
proper teachers and suitable books ; that the school be opened 



160 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

and closed with prayer or reading a portion of Scriptures, and 
singing, if convenient. Thougli the teachers and managers 
are expected to render tlieir services gratuitously, yet a small 
fund for the purchase of books to be awarded by the com- 
mittee to meritorious scholars, will be required. Children 
and adults are to be freely admitted without regard to denomi- 
nation, sect, or party, and parents and guardians requested to 
visit the school, and to exert themselves for its prosperity. 
Then follow the names of thirty citizens, with their contribu- 
tions for the purchase of books, amounting to twenty-eight 
dollars and fifty cents. 

From the first report it appears that the school commenced 
in May, with sixty-four scholars ; that during the term of 
six months the average attendance was eighty-one, and the 
number of teachers eighteen. 

The scholars had committed to memory and recited 16,525 
verses of Scripture, 9,453 answers in the catechism, 1,625 
verses of hymns, and the Lord's Prayer and Ten Command- 
ments. They reported also that among the scholars were 
twenty-one persons of color, whose attendance and recitations 
had been good. 

The utmost harmony and good will had prevailed, and the 
eflibrts of all had been to promote the welfare of the school. 
The next six months (for the school for many years had an 
intermission through the winter) the number of scholars 
diminished, and the managers urged its importance with re- 
newed vigor — and it would seem successfully, for the institu- 
tion has continued and prospered to this time. One of the 
most interested and useful citizens in the cause, for thirty 
years, was Mr. George Selden. Horace Greeley, who was in 
the i)rinting office of the Erie OazettCj attended this school 
near its commencement, and was in the class of Mr. Joseph 
Chase. 

Asa E. Foster, long principal of Erie Academy, and after- 
ward of a high school, each Sabbath, for twenty-five years, 
engaged in the Christian and self-denying work of giving in- 
struction and distributing tracts to the criminals in the county 
jail. 

To show what a wilderness was New York, and not less 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 161 

Pennsylvania, as well as to speak of the first Protestant 
missionaries in this region, we make the following extract : 

" Tlie Rev. Gideon Hawley, with Deacon Woodbridge, in 
1753 (the year Fort Presqu'ile was built by the French) made 
a journey to Oquago, upon the Susquehanna, fourteen miles 
from the village of Binghampton ; it is a beautiful valley, 
from three to four miles in length, and was the ancient 
dwelling-place of a tribe of Indians for a long series of years. 

" Mr. Hawley had been solemnly set apart as an evangelist 
among the Western Indians ; at Stockbridge he had a school 
attended by many Indians who wintered there. May 22, he 
set out with Mr. and Mrs. Ashley (the latter being an Indian 
interpreter), and Deacon Woodbridge, upon the errand of 
planting Christianity one hundred miles beyond any settle- 
ment of Christian people. Col, Johnson, Indian agent, who 
resided near Utica, favored their mission, and kindly met 
them in person. But they were not always so favored. A 
drunken Indian, named Pallas, who was acting as guide, fired 
at Mr. Hawley when the party were in a boat, on pretense of 
aiming at a duck. Mr. Hawley providentially moved his 
head just at the moment and was saved. The missionaries 
showed the Indians their credentials, and, among other 
things, preached temperance to them, at which they appeared 
to be religiously moved, and even converted, and disclaimed 
the ill-behaved Pallas as a foreigner." 

In 1767 we hear of the Moravian missionary Rev. David 
Zeisberger, an unarmed man, of short stature, remarkably 
plain in his dress, and humble and peaceful in his demeanor, 
preaching to the Senecas at the mouth of the Tionesta, in 
Venango County. He built a block-house, planted corn, and 
gathered around him several huts of believing Indians. The 
surrounding tribes were said not to be equaled for wickedness 
and thirst for blood. Soon he retired from this hamlet called 
Goshgoshunk, fifteen miles farther up the river, to the present 
site of Hickorytown. Here he built a dwelling and chapel, 
and suspended the first church-going bell in Nortliwestern 
Pennsylvania. In consequence of broils with the Cherokees, 
the station was removed to Butler County. In 1770 the 
Christian colony again removed, setting out in sixteen canoes 



162 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

for the mouth of Beaver Creek, and establishing a station in the 
center of Beaver County, called Friedenstadt, or Town of Peace. 

Sunday, July 2, 1797, we have an account of probably the 
first religious service held in what is now Erie County. Mr. 
Judah Colt, in his manuscript "Life," says, "About thirtj- 
persons assembled at Colt's station, who gave decent and be- 
coming attendance while a sermon was read from Dr. Blair's 
collection, ' on the importance of order in conduct ' : 1st 
Corinthians, chapter xiv, verse iv. ' Let all things be done 
decently and in order.' " The selection of the subject, "Order," 
was suggested by circumstances. Immediately preceding, we 
find : " This season was one of much business, and, owing to 
the ojiposition of adverse settlers, one of much trouble and 
perplexity. We were compelled to keep from forty to eighty 
or one hundred men in the service of the company to defend 
the settlers and property. More than once, mobs of men, from 
twenty to thirty, would assemble for the purpose of destroy- 
ing houses, and other mischief, some of whom I had indicted, 
and bills were found against them by the grand jury of the 
then Allegheny County, the courts being held in the borough 
of Pittsburg." 

Some of the earliest settlers in the county, who were located 
at Northeast, were Presbyterians from Ireland, and brought 
their Bibles wdth them. Among these was a ruling elder, 
named William Dundass, and others of the names of Lowry 
and Campbell. They held their meetings in private dwellings, 
and in fine weather in the open air. An occasional mission- 
ary was sent out by the Ohio and Redstone Presbyteries, but 
this was of rare occurrence until after 1800. The first church 
edifice erected in Erie County was at Middlebrook, near Low- 
ville, two miles from Wattsburg, in 1801. It was built of logs 
and is still standing, though not occupied as a church. > 

To show the customs of the times with regard to religious 
services, as well as to give an interesting event in the life of 
one of the most enterprising as well as excellent citizens of 
Erie County, we make the following extract : 

1 Mr Colt's journal, 1801: "Rev. Mr. Wood, from Washington County, 
intended preaching at the Middlebrook church, but getting lost by taking 
the wrong path, could not And the meetinghouse, and returned to Colt's 
station after a fatiguing day's ride."' 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



163 



" In 1801, ill the course of the summer and fall, we were 
visited by a number of clergymen who were sent out by the 
Ohio and Redstone Presbyteries, who preached in a number of 
places, and took much pains to collect and establish churches, 
and to convene the scattering inhabitants for religious service. 
Among those who came among us was the Eev. McCurdj-, 
who appeared a very zealous man and well calculated to be 
useful as a traveling minister. On the Sabbath of the 27th of 
September (the first time the Sacrament was administered in 
the county) it was appointed and agreed upon to have the 
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper administered in the township 
of Greenfield, on a plantation then occupied by Williana 




MiDDLEBROOK CHURCH, ERECTED IN 1801. 

Sketched by Miss F. L. Spencer, in 1860. 

Dundass, and a congregation of three hundred assembled. 
The day was pleasant, I accompanied Mrs. Colt to the place of 
meeting ; on our way the conversation turned upon religious 
subjects, and my consort had come to the determination to 
offer herself as a communicant, and to become a member of 
tlie church — her mind appeared inucli occupied meditating 
upon the subject. While conversing with her I became more 



164 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

thoughtful than usual, and shortly after arriving at the place 
of meeting, I became more and more impressed with the evil 
nature of sin, and of the importance of leading a sober, 
orderly, and religious life, and it was not long after service 
that I found myself much distressed in mind, and my body 
considerably agitated. Although I felt a load of guilt upon 
me, I resolved to come forward and make a request to become 
a member of the church, provided I could be admitted at that 
late period. Accordingly, at the interval between those who 
sat down at the first table and those who were preparing to 
come to the second, I came forward and kneeled at the feet of 
the minister and elders, and explained to them as well as I 
could the situation I was in, and what I had a desire to do. 
After asking me a few questions, and after having a short 
conference among themselves, I was invited to rise, being 
overwhelmed with grief. A token of admittance was given 
to me by one of the elders — I arose and took my seat at the 
table. So it was that I and my beloved consort were both 
permitted to partake of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper 
on the same day, and I hope and trust it will be a day of 
grateful remembrance while we live, and of unceasing praise 
beyond the grave. 

"The ministers present were Eevs. McCurdy, Satterfield, 
Wick, and Boyd, from the Ohio and Redstone Presbyteries. 
After service we were invited to go home with Mr. McCord, 
and on Monday, being the last day of the feast, people were 
again assembled and a sermon preached — it appeared a good 
day to me. Toward evening, service being ended, they re- 
turned to their respective homes, this being a new epoch to 
my life as it was a beginning of years.'-' 

Fi'om another source we find that this service was held at 
Northeast, and that about forty persons sat down at the tables. 

The Presbytery of Erie was organized April 13, 1802. The 
enabling act was passed by the Synod of Virginia (under 
whose jurisdiction the territory then was) at their meeting at 
Winchester, Virginia, October 2, 1801. The first meeting was 
held at Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, Pennsyl- 
vania, on the day above mentioned. Erie Presbytery then 
embraced that portion of Pennsylvania west and northwest of 



HISTOBY OF ERIE COUNTY. 165 

the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, with a portion of the 
Western Reserve. It now embraces Erie, Crawford, and 
parts of Mercer, Venango, and Warren Counties. From it, 
have been constituted Beaver, Allegheny, Allegheny City, and 
part of New Lisbon Presbyteries. The New School Presby- 
tery of Erie held its first meeting at Meadville, Pennsylvania, 
in June, 1838. It is proper to state, that at the time of the 
division of the General Assembly in 1838, the New School had 
the majority in the Erie Presbytery. At the meeting in June 
following, the Old School members withdrew, taking all the 
old records, as directed by the General Assembly. The New 
School Presbytery now embraces Erie County, with a part of 
Crawford. 

September 1, 1803, Rev. Robert Patterson, of Ohio Presby- 
tery, was ordained pastor of the church of Upper and Lower 
Greenfield for two thirds of his time, and immediately after 
arrangements were made by which he was to preach occasion- 
ally in Erie. The names of those who signed the call from 
Upper Greenfield were Thomas Robertson, Judah Colt, 
Timothy Tuttle, and Seth Loomis ; the salary for two thirds 
of his time was two hundred dollars. The ordination took 
place at Mr. John McCord's bark house. Rev. Mr. Badger 
preaching the sermon, and Rev. Mr. Tate giving the right 
hand of fellowship. The Rev. Mr. Stockton was also present, 
and the people, as was the custom, were favored with preach- 
ing for several days. 

In 1806 Mr. Patterson petitioned the Presbytery of Erie and 
desired leave to resign his charge. The reasons offered were 
that his salary was insufficient, and "impediments in the 
way of realizing any land as his own by purchase, embarrassed 
and disturbed his mind so that he had neither leisure nor due 
composure to engage in that reading, meditation, and study 
which were necessary to a faithful and profitable discharge of 
ministerial duties." With regard to the citizens, he says, " In 
their intercourse I have found them respectful, obliging, and 
friendly ; and though the dispensation of the Gospel and its 
ordinances have not been attended by any remarkable 
success, yet we are not without some encouragement and 
dawnings of hope." Writing from Pittsburg, where he 



166 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

established himself in 1807, in reference to his successor in the 
county, Rev. J. Eaton, he says : "I would be rejoiced to be 
informed that the prospect of their religious horizon is becom- 
ing brighter than it has ever yet been, for to me it appears 
very nearly a land 'sitting in the region and shadow of 
death.'" Rev. Mr. Patterson died in 1832, near Pittsburg, 
where he had resided many years. 

The Rev. Johnston Eaton preached a few Sabbaths at the 
mouth of Walnut Creek (Manchester) in 1805. In 1807 he 
returned, and was ordained in 1808 as pastor of the churches of 
Eairview and SiDringfleld. The services were held in the 
barn of William Sturgeon, in what is now the village of Fair- 
view. 

The first preaching by Mr. Eaton was at Swan's tavern, on 
the east side of the mouth of Walnut Creek. This building 
was removed but a few years ago, when it was said to be the 
first house erected in the county. 

In a year or two the congregation erected a log meeting- 
house opposite the dwelling of R. L. Perkins, where still are 
the remains of the burying-ground by which it was sur- 
rounded. Directly in front of the church was an Indian 
mound about six feet in height and fifteen in diameter, 
covered with grass, on which the hardy pioneers reclined at 
the noon recess. The house of worship soon became too 
strait, and it was enlarged, — even then, on fine days the ser- 
vices were conducted in the open air. 

The first elders were Andrew Caughey, George Reed, and 
Wm. Arbuckle. Of the twenty-five original members at Fair- 
view, but five survive (1861); their names are Jane Caughey, 
Agnes McCreary, Elizabeth Eaton, Jane Sturgeon, and Wm. 
Arbuekle.i 

The Rev. Mr. Eaton was appointed chaplain of the army at 
Erie during the war of 1812-13, the most of his people being 
called to the defense of their country. After this he preached 
a part of his time in the Dunn settlement and in Northeast. 
From the organization of the Presbyterian church in Erie, in 
1815, he labored there a portion of the time until 1822. Mr. 

1 Mr. Arbuckle died in Mill Creek, February 25, 1862, aged 91 years, being 
one of the earliest and most respected citizens of the county. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 167 

Eaton sustained the pastoral relation at Fairview until his 
death in 1847, a period of nearly forty years. He was a 
student of Rev. John McMillan, and a faithful servant, en- 
during hardships and encountering difficulties with indomi- 
table resolution, and with ardent devotion to the Master. 

At Erie there was no preaching for several years excepting 
by an itinerant or missionary occasionally. The inhabitants 
attended church at Northeast or Fairview, particularly on 
sacramental occasions. In 1807 the Rev. John Lindsay was 
employed by -the General Assembly of the Presbyterian 
church for two or (if he preferred it) three months to preach 
in the new settlements in the Holland purchase, and to go as 
far as the town of Erie. 

We need offer no apology for quoting largely from a histor- 
ical sermon of Rev. A. H. Carrier, preached at Northeast, 
February, 1861, on the occasion of the occupancy of their old 
meetinghouse for the last time. 

" The church at Northeast was organized, under the name 
of the church of Lower Greenfield, in the year 1801. The 
spot upon which those who formed it assembled was a place 
in the woods nearly in the rear of Amos Gould's residence. 
The services of the occasion were held in the open air, and 
they continued to be thus held until the log church was 
built. The minister who organized the church was the Rev. 
Elisha McCurdy. In Dr. Sprague's 'Annals of the American 
Pulpit,' an interesting and detailed account is given of the 
labors of this servant' of Christ in Western Pennsylvania. 
He was a native of Cai'lisle, Pennsylvania. At twenty-nine 
he began preparation for the ministry, and pursued his 
studies seven years, mostly at Cannonsburgh. He was 
licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Ohio, in Washington 
County, Pennsylvania, in 1799. For some time after his 
licensure be was engaged in missionary labor in the region 
bordering on Lalie Erie. He had an important agency in 
connection with the great revival in Western Pennsylvania, 
which commenced about 1801-2. It must have been while 
laboring in connection with that revival that he organized 
the church of Lower Greenfield, as it was called. Mr. Mc- 
Curdy's last days were spent at Allegheny. He died in the 



168 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

triumphs of the Gospel ou July 22, 1845, in the eighty-third 
year of his age. Though the founder of the church at North- 
east, it does not appear that he labored either a« its pastor or 
stated supply. The church at its organization consisted of 
twenty-five members, of whom none, so far as I am aware, 
are surviving, with the single exception of the aged Mrs. 
Moorhead,* in Harbor Creek. The church did not enjoy the 
services of religion each Sabbath, but through many years of 
its existence divided with other churches the labors of such 
ministers as could be obtained. 

" In 1802 Rev. Robert Patterson accepted a call to take the 
pastoral charge of the Presbyterian churches of Erie and Upper 
and Lower Greenfield. In 1803, he was ordained and installed 
pastor of Upper and Lower Greenfield. He continued their 
stated pastor four years and a half, when he applied to the 
Presbytery for a dismission, and was accordingly dismissed. 
The church here consisted then of about forty members. After 
this there was a long interval during which the church did 
not enjoy the stated ministrations of any minister. In 1812 a 
Rev. Mr. McPherrin was employed for six months, and then, 
after another long interval, bringing us down to 1815-16, we 
find that the Rev. Mr. Eaton was engaged to preach either 
one third or one fourth part of his time at Northeast. 

"Rev. Mr. Tate often labored at Northeast about these 
years, during seasons of religious interest, and at four days' 
meetings, held, as usual in those times, in connection with 
communion aeasons. Rev. Mr. Eaton's residence was at 
Fairview, and his parish was somewhat extensive, consisting 
as it did of the place of his residence, together with Erie and 
the township of Northeast. There are several of the church 
and congregation who distinctly remember Mr. Eaton as 
their minister. In his day, worship was held in a log church 
on Cemetery Hill. When this house (the log one) was built, I 
have not been able to ascertain, but probably not long after 
the organization of the church. Thither from all the country 
round the people resorted, coming, not as now, over the best of 
roads and in comfortable carriages, but through the mire of 
swamps, and over stumps, treading their way upon horseback 
1 Died in December, 1861, aged 94. 



HISTORY OP ERIE COUNTY. 169 

or slowly moving in a cart drawn by oxen. The elder female 
members of the church have told me of frequently taking a 
child in their arms, and, upon horseback, riding eight, ten, or 
a dozen miles over not the best of roads to attend preaching. 
Sometimes the log church would be too contracted to hold all 
who came ; then they would adjourn to the open air, and 
under the shelter of the trees would worship God. Thus the 
grove which adorns our attractive cemetery has often been 
made to resound with praise, to hear the voice of prayer, and 
to ring with the message of peace — tlie glad tidings of a 
Saviour. 

** In 1818 it appears that Rev. Mr. Camp, a missionary, was 
employed statedly, one month, in whicli time a revival com- 
menced which resulted in an addition to the church of about 
twenty members. 

" The old log church now began to be too strait for its occu- 
pants, and perhaps it was argued by some of the younger 
members of the society that it was not 'up with the times.' 
This would seem, however, to have hardly been a valid argu- 
ment, judging from the picture which one of our older 
members gives me of the appearance of the present village 
and surrounding country in those days. The few scattered 
houses along the main street were built substantially of logs ; 
and interposed between them were wide tracts of girdled 
trees, which gave to the place the aspect of a harbor filled 
with masts. The worthy people, however, with commend- 
able zeal for the cause of religion, determined that they would 
have for the house of God something better than their own. 
We are not in possession of any records stating precisely what 
steps were first taken, what debates were had upon the subject, 
what arguments were used in favor of the project, and what 
objections were urged against it ; but I have heard it inti- 
mated that, with that tenacity of habit which generally 
characterizes elderly people, much was said by the more aged 
members against changing the location of the house. They 
had become accustomed to climb the hill where the sanctuary 
stood, the graveyard was there, their religious associations 
clustered around that spot, and they Avere unwilling that 
those associations should be disturbed. But the log village 



170 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

prevailed. Its inhabitants considered thiemselves centrally 
located, and succeeded in securing the new structure as an 
ornament for tlieir street. The work undertaken was no 
slight enterprise. The record of the mode by which it was 
built proves under what difficulties it was prosecuted. Money 
was an article which played but a small part in the erection of 
the house which we desert to-day. The members of the con- 
gregation seemed to say in effect, by their contributions, what 
Peter said to the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the 
temple : ' Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have 
give I thee,' The list of items constituting payments is a 
perfect curiosity, veiy significant of the condition of the 
times, and indicative likewise of much zeal that an excellent 
house of worship should be built. As scarcely any could 
furnish money, there was given what was equally serviceable 
— lumber of all kinds, and such labor as was needed. But 
besides this, unlimited amounts of grain and flour, and every 
merchantable ai'ticle, were furnished as equivalents for the 
amount of subscription or for the price of the pews and slips. 
Some items credited are calculated to excite a smile, such, for 
instance, as 'bread and apple pies,' which were appropriated 
to the object in a way not precisely explained. Our notions of 
propriety, too, are somewhat startled, unless we understand 
how the temperance question stood in those days, by finding 
a more peculiar item credited. In one instance a barrel of 
whisky, price eleven dollars, is set down as a part payment 
for the price of a pew ! Where it went to, and what was 
done with it does not appear. Our fathers unquestionably 
apprehended no difHculty in the way of such a barter. We 
may be thankful that the interval of years since then has 
created a more enlightened conscience in regard to the use of 
spirituous drinks. 

"Through much labor and sacrifice the walls were at last 
inclosed and the house covered, and then, while the seats 
were yet not built, the people turned into the new house for 
worship. Doubtless it seemed, notwithstanding its then un- 
plastered walls, a luxurious place to those who had occupied 
the old log house. All who had a hand in building it, or who 
were interested in worshiping in it, considered themselves ex- 



HISTOKY OF ERIE COUNTY. 171 

ceedingly fortunate in possessing so imposing a structure. 
We who sit and shiver here these winter Sabbaths may do well 
to let our imaginations run back to those days when stoves 
for churches were not thought of, and when the congregation, 
within unplastered walls, managed as they could to keep com- 
fortable. Not that it would be desirable to bring back those 
times, when any method of warming a church was con- 
sidered a desecration of it, but it may be wholesome to 
remember what experiences have preceded ours. Some, even 
of the middle-aged members, have told me that they remem- 
ber to have seen the minister preaching, winter Sabbaths, 
with hands well fortified against the cold in thick, woolen 
mittens. 

" The work continued on the church, to a greater or less ex- 
tent, for several years. The galleries were finally erected and 
the interior completed. At that day the building was con- 
sidered by the surrounding people an architectural wonder. 
People, I am told, came long distances in order to see it. 
Doubtless it excited more, remark, and was regarded with 
higher interest than is the case with our beautifiul new 
edifice. And indeed it was, for that time, a most creditable 
structure — in greater contrast with the dwellings of the 
people, and indicative, therefore, it is possible, of more zeal for 
the outward prosperity of Zion than the building which now 
so eminently graces our village. Owing to the gradual man- 
ner in which it was constructed, this house was never 
formally dedicated. The congregation were anxious to occupy 
it while, as yet, they were unable to finish it ; and when 
finished, it had been already dedicated by their long-continued 
acts of worship, and, as we may hope, by the conversion 
therein of many a soul. 

"After the erection of the church, the first minister who 
appears upon the records is a Mr. Ely, a licensed minister of 
the Buffalo Presbytery, who was employed one half his time 
for six months. This was in 1823. The church was com- 
menced about 1818, and finished in 1822. In 1824 Rev, Giles 
Doolittle was invited, by regular calls, to take the pastoral 
charge of the congregation in Northeast and Ripley, New 
York. On April 15, 1825, he was ordained by the Pres- 



172 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

bytery of Erie, and installed by them pastor of the united 
congregations above named. 

" The number of church members, when he took charge, 
amounted to sixty-eight. The only elders, two in number, 
at the time were John McCord and Thomas Robinson. The 
oldest surviving members of the church are Edmund Orton, 
Dr. James Smedley, and Harmon Ensign, who united at 
about the same time, having come from the same town in 
Connecticut ; and among the females, Mrs. Robinson, who 
united about 1803, Mrs. Hall, and Mrs. Baldwin. Their con- 
nection with the church dates back to the times of the old log 
meetinghouse. Of those who joined during the same periods, 
some, however, are still surviving, but are connected now 
with the church at Harbor Creek. 

" Mr. Doolittle continued his labors with this church from 
1825 to September 14, 1832. He died at Hudson, Ohio, at 
which place he was laboring as pastor. In 1832 the church 
was divided. Fifty-eight members, living in Harbor Creek 
and vicinity, were constituted a church, leaving a member- 
ship here of one hundi'ed and five. 

"November 15, 1833, Rev. W. A. Adair was ordained and 
installed over the congregations of Northeast and Harbor 
Creek. It was during the years of prevailing religious 
interest — a period of revivals — that Mr. Adair was connected 
with this church, and during his ministry, in connection 
particularly with the labors of Rev. Samuel G. Orton, large 
accessions were made to the church. In 1836 the membership 
amounted to one hundred and eighty-three, and in April, 
1838, to two hundred and fifteen — a larger number than are 
now in communion with us. In June, 1838, Rev. Nathaniel 
West commenced labors with this church. His pastoral 
relation with it ceased July 17, 1841. January, 1842, Rev. 
Miles Doolittle began to preach to the Presbyterian congrega- 
tion of Northeast, and continued their pastor until some 
time in 1844. November of that year. Rev. Samuel Mont- 
gomery became their stated minister, followed by Rev. Mr. 
Paine in 1848, who was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Cochrane in 
1850. August, 1852, Mr. Cochrane gave place to Rev. D. D. 
Gregory. During the continuance of Mr. Gregory with this 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 173 

people, a lot was purchased and a parsonage built thereon. 
March, 1859, the present minister took charge of the con- 
gregation. February, 1859, a meeting was called, and a com- 
mittee appointed to take into consideration the purchase of a 
lot for a new church. 

"The committee reported the twenty-eighth, were empow- 
ered to purchase March seventh, and March twelfth resolved 
to build. The result of that resolution is the beautiful struc- 
ture which adorns our village." 

In 1811 the Rev. Bobert Reid, a minister of the Associate 
Reformed denomination, organized a church in Erie, which 
was incorporated as the " First Church of Erie." The con- 
gregation met in the schoolhouse until 1816, when they 
erected a comfortable building near their present site — Eighth 
Street, east of French. The frame, re-covered, is now occu- 
pied as a store, it having been removed to State Street. 

The first elders of the church were Archibald McSparren, 
Thomas Hughes, Alexander Robinson, and James Barr. 

The Associate Reformed denomination in 1841 erected a 
large and substantial church, and in 1845 called as jjastor Rev. 
Joseph Pressly. 

In 1816 the Rev. Charles Colson, a Lutheran minister from 
Germany who had settled in Meadville, organized four 
churches in this vicinity, expecting to have the oversight of 
them. One was at Meadville, another ten miles above, on 
French Creek, a third at Conneaut, and a fourth at Erie. He 
took a severe cold returning to Meadville, from the effects of 
which he died the same year. 

In 1824 the First Presbyterian church of Erie erected a large 
and substantial building on the site at present occupied by 
their new edifice. The trustees were Judah Colt, P. S. V. 
Hamot, G. Sanford, R. McClelland, B. Bussell, J. Evans, R. 
Brown, S. Hays, T. Laird, G. Selden, J. Kellogg. At the 
ceremony of laying the cornerstone. Rev. Timothy Alden 
offered prayer, and Rev. Johnston Eaton made a few per- 
tinent remarks. Rev. David McKinney was ordained and 
Installed April 13, 1825. Rev. George A. Lyon was installed 
September 9, 1829. 

In June, 1859, the cornerstone of their rich and elaborate 



174 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

structure was laid on the site of the former building. Rev. 
Dr. Chester, of Buffalo, Rev. C. J. Hutchins, and Rev. D. C. 
Wright took part in the exercises. Its cost, exclusive of the 
ground, is estimated at $25,000, and it is capable of seating 
nine hundred persons. The organ of this church cost $2,000. 

March 17, 1827, a meeting was held at Mr. Hamot's for the 
purpose of organizing an Episcopal church. Col. Thomas 
Forster was called to the chair, and P. S. V. Hamot appointed 
Secretary. George Miles, G. A. Elliot, Taber Beebe, C. M. 
Reed, Thos. Forster, Jr. , D. C. Barrett, Wm. Kelley, G. Knapp, 
and J. A. Tracy M'ere elected vestrymen. Rev. Charles Smith 
accepted the office of rector, but resigned December 8. He 
was succeeded by Rev. B. Hutchins, and afterward by Rev. 
John W. James. Rev. Bennet Glover was next appointed, 
July 17, 1828, and held the office until his death in 1838. St. 
Paul's church was erected in 1831, on West Sixth Street. 

The First Baptist church was organized in 1831. July 31. 
1832, at a meeting held at the courthouse, Rev. Wm. H. New- 
man was called to the chair and O. N. Sage appointed secre- 
tary. The following gentlemen were nominated trustees : 
E. D. Gunnison, Abijah Frost, O. N. Sage, Wm. Kelly, James 
Lytle, Warren Foot (did not serve), Adonijah Fuller, George 
Moore, and D. J. Lloyd. The first pastor was Rev. Wm. 
Newman, and they erected their building in 1833, on the 
corner of Peach and Fifth streets. 

In 1838 the Methodist Episcopal denomination erected a 
frame building ou Seventh Street. In 1860 they dedicated 
their new house of worship on the corner of Sassafras and 
Seventh. This is one of the finest churches in the city. The 
house and ground cost $17,000. Trustees : J. Hanson, J. S. 
Sterrett, T. Willis, John Burton, Wm. Sanborn, A, A. Craig, 
J. W. Ayers, A. Yale, N. Murphy. In 1858 the same denomi- 
nation completed a house of worship a short distance south of 
the town, at a cost of $4,000, called the Simpson Church. 
Messrs. E. Goodrich, Heman Jaynes, and Capt. Thomas Wil- 
kins were liberal contributors. 

In 1841 the Lutherans built a church. Rev. Mr. Hartman, 
pastor. 

In 1844 the Universalists organized a church, and in 1845 



I 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 175 

erected their building on Ninth Street. First pastor, Rev. 
Henry GiflEbrd. Trustees, Henry Caldwell, R. Huston, and 
Porter Warren. S. H. Kelsey, collector. 

The first Roman Catholic church erected in Erie was a 
small frame building on German Street, in 1839. The corner- 
stone of St. Patrick's, on Fourth Street, was laid in 1850, and 
about 1858 a dwelling for the bishop and a schoolhouse were 
erected on the premises. In 1854 the diocese of Erie was 
created, and the Rev. Joshua Young made bishop. 

In 1854 St. Mary's, a German Catholic church, was com- 
menced, and completed in 1858. This is probably the largest, 
as it is the most expensive church in the city, its cost having 
amounted to $28,000. It has two spires 135 feet in height, and 
is furnished with three bells, one weighing 1991 pounds, 
another 1085 pounds, and the third 708 pounds. The bells cost 
$1,400, and are remarkable for their clearness of tone ; they 
were consecrated by the Rt. Rev. J. Young, April 15, 1860. 
The church has an organ which cost $1,200, the Society of 
St. Cecilia engaging themselves in the choir. The Benedic- 
tine Fathers have had charge of the congregation since July, 
1859, Rev. F. Celestine Engelbrecht, pastor. 

Two societies for the propagation of the faith are connected 
with St. Mary's — St. Aloysia's for young men, and the Society 
of the Blessed Virgin for young ladies — each of which has a 
library. 

The German Methodists about 18fe erected a comfortable 
house of worship near Fifteenth Street. 

About 1850 the German Presbyterians erected a brick church 
on South Peach Street. 

In 1855 an Old School Presbyterian church was organized 
by Rev. Wm. Willson, and immediately after the congregation 
erected Park Church at a cost of $17,000. First Trustees : G. 
Sanford, Joseph Arbuckle, J. C. Spencer, Wm. C. Currj^, I. W. 
Hart, J. Moore, D. W. Fitch. Treasurer and Secretary, D. B. 
McCreary. In 1856 Rev. W. M. Blackburn was installed 
pastor. The first attempt of the General Assembly (O. S.) to 
establish a church in Erie was in 1842, when Rev. J. H. 
Townley was sent as a missionary. In 1853 the Presbytery of 
Erie made appointments for preaching for several months, 



176 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

having previously named a committee to establish a church 
when Providence should direct. 

In 1847 the Wesleyan Methodist Society (colored) erected 
their building on Third Street, in Jerusalem, the western part 
of the town. The founders were H. E. Waters, John Clifford, 
Amos Burgess, Luman Harris, and Wm. Messick. The 
African Methodist Episcopals (also colored) formed a society 
and erected a building soon after. 

The Protestant Episcopal church. Rev. Mr. Abercrombie, 
held services for a few months in 1858 in the Wesleyan 
church, when it was not otherwise occupied, and organized a 
Sunday school there. At the same time the Rev. Mr. Bow- 
man, of the same church, held services at the depot. 

The first instance of Christian worship after the manner of 
the Protestant Episcopal church, at Girard, was in June, 1858, 
in the Methodist Episcopal church, a large audience being in 
attendance. Rev. John Bowman officiated. 

Girard township has five churches : one Protestant Metho- 
dist, three Methodist Episcopal, and one Roman Catholic. 

Springfield township has six churches : two Methodist 
Episcopal, one Kew School Presbyterian, one Universalist, one 
Christian, and one Calvinistic Baptist. 

Franklin township has no church edifice. 

Fairview township has seven church organizations : one 
Methodist Episcopal, one German Methodist, one Old School 
Presbyterian, two New School Presbyterian (though but one 
house of worship), and two German churches, the denomi- 
nations not known. In this statement are included the 
churches of Manchester and Fairview or Sturgeonville. 

Summit township has two churches : one Methodist Episco- 
pal that will accommodate three hundred persons, valued at 
$850, and one United Presbyterian, seating four hundred, and 
valued at S^SOO. 

McKean township has one Methodist Episcoj^al church, 
seating five hundred, and valued at $1,500 ; and a Roman 
Catholic, seating five hundred, which cost $1,300. 

LeBoeuf township has one Methodist Episcopal church, 
seating three hundred, and valued at $1,000 ; and a second 
one, seating five hundred, and valued at $1,500. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 177 

Washington township has one Christian Communion 
church, accommodating three hundred, vakied at $1,200. 

Concord townsliip lias one Methodist Episcopal church 
with two hundred sittings, valued at $1,000. 

Harbor Creek township has four churches. 

Greene township has two Methodist Episcopal, and one 
Presbyterian church. 

Northeast township has three churches : one Presbyterian, 
valued at $1,000, seating three hundred ; one Methodist Epis- 
copal, valued at $3,000, seating three hundred and fifty ; and 
one Baptist, valued at $3,400, that will accommodate four 
hundred. 

Greenfield township has one Methodist Episcopal cliurch. 

Waterford township has six churches : one Roman Catholic, 
seating three hundred persons, valued at $3,000 ; one Lutheran, 
seating one hundred and fifty, valued at $300 ; one Presby- 
terian, seating two hundred, valued at $450 ; one Methodist 
Episcopal, seating two hundred and twenty, valued at $400 ; 
another of the same denomination, seating three hundred, 
valued at $500 ; one Baptist, seating three hundred, valued at 
$450. 

Amity township has one Methodist Episcopal church, 
valued at $800, which will accommodate two hundred persons. 

Venango township has one Methodist Episcopal church, 
besides the churches in Wattsburg. 

Wayne township has two churches : a Methodist Episcopal, 
valued at $1,000, which will accommodate tliree hundred, and 
a Presbyterian one valued at $800, seating two hundred and 
fifty persons. 

Union township has three churches : one Methodist Episco- 
pal, valued at $1,000, with three hundred sittings ; one Presby- 
terian, valued at $1,500, witli three hundred sittings ; and a 
Roman Catholic, vakied at $800, with two hundred sittings. 

The census statistics (wliich include those of the cliurches) 
of Mill Creek, Elk Creek, Conneaut, and the West Ward of 
Erie have not yet been published or filed in the Prothono- 
tary's office, nor have tliey been aggregated, excepting in 
population. 

Erie has been favored with revivals of religion at several 



178 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

periods. In 1831 Rev, Mr, Stone held a series of meetings, 
and more than thirty persons united with tlie Presbyterian 
churcli. 

In 1834 Rev. Mr. Orton, a zealous evangelist, held a pro- 
tracted meeting, and about one hundred persons connected 
themselves with the different churches. 

In 1842 the Rev. Mr, Clark preached for several days in the 
Presbyterian church — sixty-five persons united with the 
church at that time. Again, in 1858, more than two hundred 
persons united with the different evangelical churches in 
Erie, 

Rev, O. Parker, an evangelist, labored successfully in the 
Presbyterian churches of Girard and Edinboro in 1860. At the 
latter place there were many converts in the Normal School. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Waterford — Edi7iboro — Northeast — Wattsburg — Girard — Union 
Mills — A Ibion — Cherry Hill — Wellsburg — Cranesville — Lockport — 

- Pageville — Lexington — Fairview — Manchester — McKean Corners — 
Wesleyville — West Spri7igfield — Springfield — Beaverdam — Concord 
Station. 

Waterford, beautifully situated at old Fort Le Boeuf,' the 
history of which has been given in a former chapter, is distant 
fourteen miles southeast of Erie. 

In the act for laying out the towns of Erie, Franklin, War- 
ren, and Waterford, is to be found the following : " Whereas, 
Andrew Ellicot lately surveyed and laid out a town, within 

1 Old Fort Le Boeuf being inland, was not ranked or fortified as a flrst- 
class station ; yet, being situated on the " headwaters " of the Allegheny 
River, and at the nearest point of water communication between Lake 
Erie and the river, it was considered of much importance as a trading fort. 
It afforded protection to traders, hunters, and to many adventurers who 
passed between Canada and Fort Duquesne and the French possession 
farther south. The portage between Presqu'ile and Le Bceuf being only a 
little more than four leagues, the necessary goods, munitions of war, imple- 
ments of agriculture, etc., were conveyed overland from the lake, and at 
Fort Le Bwuf embarked upon radeaux or rafts, to be transported to forts 
to the south and M'est along the river. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 179 

the tract heretofore reserved for the public use at Le Boeuf, 
near the head of the navigation of French Creek, and the draft 
and plan of the said town being communicated by the Gover- 
nor to tlie General Assembly, was by them approved : there- 
fore, be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the said 
draft and plan of the town so surveyed and laid out by the 
said Andrew EUicot, . . . being first recorded in the office 
of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and the original 
thereof deposited in the office of the Surveyor General, shall 
be, and the same is hereby, in all respects accepted, ratified, 
confirmed, and established, as fully and effectually as if it had 
been made by virtue of a law previously authorizing a town to 
be surveyed and laid out at Le Bceuf ; . . . and the com- 
missioners hereinbefore directed to be appointed shall also 
survey five hundred acres of land, adjoining the said last 
mentioned town, for out-lots : and the same shall be divided 
in such manner, and with such streets, lanes, and alleys as 
the said commissioners shall direct, but no out-lot shall con- 
tain more than five acres, nor shall the reservation for public 
uses exceed in the whole ten acres ; and the said last 
mentioned town shall be called 'Waterford,' and all the 
streets, lanes, and alleys thereof, and of the out-lots thereto 
adjoining, shall be and forever remain common highways." 

And in section thirteenth, "that it shall be lawful for the 
Governor, with the consent of the individuals, respectively, to 
protract the enlistments of such part of the detachment of 
State troops, or such part as may be in garrison at Fort Le 
Boeuf, or to enlist as many men as he shall deem necessary, 
not exceeding one hundred and thirty, to protect and assist 
the commissioners, surveyors, and other attendants intrusted 
with the execution of the several objects of this act : provided 
always, nevertheless, that as soon as a fort shall be established 
at Presqu'ile, and the United States shall have furnished 
adequate garrisons for the same, and for Fort Le Boeuf, the 
Governor shall discharge the said detachment of State troops, 
except the party thereof employed in protecting and assisting 
the commissioners, sui-veyors, and other attendants as afore- 
said, which shall be continued until the objects of this act are 
accomplished, and no longer." 



180 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

And section fifteenth, " that in order to defray the expenses 
of maliing tlie survey at Fort Le Boeuf, and tlie various sur- 
veys and sales herein directed, and to maintain the garrison 
at Fort Le Boeuf, tliere sliall be, and hereby is, appropriated 
the sum of $17,000, to be paid by the Treasurer on the warrants 
of the Governor." 

Wlien Judge Vincent ^ settled in Waterford in 1797, he says : 
" There were no remains of the old French fort excepting the 
traces on the ground, and these traces were very distinct and 
visible." Fifteen years after, a cellar and a deep well were 
the only visible remains. Cannon, bullets, etc., have been 
found occasionally below the surface, and fragments of 
human skeletons pervade the soil. From the first settlement 
to the present time men have, at intervals, been searching for 
treasures on the sites of Le Boeuf and Presqu'ile, with all the 
helps afforded by the magnet and mineral rod. At Le Boeuf, 
in 1860, a man, digging under the direction of the " spirits," 
discovered below the surface a stone wall laid up with mortar, 
which would probably have a radius of one hundred feet. 
Within this was the foundation of a blacksmith's forge, or in- 
dications of one — as burnt stone, cinders, pieces of iron of all 
shapes, and of no conceivable use, guns, gun-locks, bayonets, 
and parts of many implements of war. 

Judge Vincent says further, on the same ground, in 1797, 
stood a stockade fort built by Maj. Denny in 1794 ; it was com- 
manded by an officer of the army, Lieut. Marten, with twelve 
or fifteen soldiers. The same year (1797) a new fort was 
built, which is still occupied by a family, though very nnich 
dilapidated, and some parts apparently ready to fall. This 
blockhouse was at one time a storehouse ; in 1813 (after the 

1 Judge John Vincent was born in Newark township, Essex county, 
New Jersey, February 4, 1772. The family were originally from France, 
where his great-grandfather was born, in 1676. Several of the brothers 
were residing at West Branch, Pennsylvania, and in Fort Freeland when 
captured by the Indians. 

Judge Vincent was appointed Associate Judge in 1805. He discharged 
the duties of the office for more than thirty-four years, being absent but 
twice from the sittings of the court. When he removed to Waterford in 
1797, he found in the vicinity William Miles, Capt. PoUocli, Capt. Martin 
Strong, and Amos Judson ; and a strong friendship was engendered by 
common dangers and privations, and which was interrupted only by 
death. Judge Vincent was industrious, energetic, and persevering, and 
lived to eniov the benefits his industry had accumulated. He died in 
February, 1860. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 181 

battle of Lake Erie) a body of prisoners and wounded men 
were there quartered ; it was next connected -with other 
buildings, the whole being weatherboarded, and a respectable 
hotel constituted. The main street of the borough running 
from north to south passes in front of the " Blockhouse 
Hotel," and over the same ground which was occupied by the 
French and first American forts. The whole is now the 
property of A. M. Judson, Esq. 

In the neighborhood of the depot, two miles northeast of 
the blockhouse, spikes, bullets, cannon balls, etc. have been 
found. In another part of the town, a quarter of a mile from 
the fort, a hillock is called "Washington's Mound," from 
the fact (as tradition has it) that Washington, when on his 
mission in 1753, spent a night there. 

One of the first appropriations for the northwestern part of 
the State, in 1791, was £400 for the improvement of French 
Creek (besides £400 for the road from Le Bceuf to Presqu'ile), 
and in 1807 we find five hundred dollars were to be set apart 
from the sale of town and out-lots of the Commonwealth, 
adjoining Erie, for clearing and improving the navigation of 
Le Bceuf and French Creeks from Waterford to the south line 
of the county. 

Here it may not be out of place to give a short description of 
French Creek. It was formerly called Venango Creek, or 
rather, In-nan-ga-eh, and is a beautiful, transparent, and 
rapid stream. For many miles from its confluence with the 
Allegheny it is less than one hundred feet in width. At some 
seasons its waters are navigable to Waterford for boats carry- 
ing twenty tons, yet for a few weeks of summer it cannot 
usually be navigated by any craft larger than a canoe. 

Washington, in his journal, calls Le Bceuf Creek the West- 
ern Fork, which is correct ; but besides this there are three 
others, and these are now particularly so designated. In 
addition to many small streams, in all directions, proceeding 
northerly from the mouth of French Creek, its most noted 
contributary waters, all of which have mill privileges and are 
furnished with sawmills and gristmills, are Big Sugar Creek, 
Deer Creek, Little Sugar Creek, the outlet of Conneaut, Casse- 
wago, Woodcock, the outlet of Conneauttee, Muddy Creek, 



182 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

and Le Bceuf Creek, ou which Watei'ford stands, three or four 
miles above its union with French Creek. 

In tlie articles on roads and the salt trade Waterford is con- 
spicuous. Salt on its arrival from Erie was deposited in store- 
houses at the landing to await a freshet. There were four of 
these lai'ge storehouses, being the property of Judge Smith, 
Judge Vincent, Capt. Tracy, and Thomas King. Messrs. 
Tracy and King did not build until 1815 or 1816. The last 
load of salt carried down the river to Pittsburg was by Judge 
Smith, in 1819, the boat containing four hundred barrels. 

In the days of the salt trade Waterford contained no 
churches, and the people assembled in the storehouses to hear 
the word of God. On one occasion when Mr. Matthews was 
preaching, the freshet reached the point that made it neces- 
sary, or at least desirable, to start the boats. The barrels were 
rolled out and the boats filled in the midst of the service, and 
the divine prayed for "the success of the boats that were 
obliged to start on the Lord's day." 

The keelboats gave employment to many, who seemed to 
form a peculiar and vigorous class by themselves. An " up- 
the-river boatman" was quite a different specimen of the 
genus homo from all others. " He could drink, swear, smoke, 
and fight in a manner that would quite astonish his degen- 
erate great-grandchildren of these days. The race is nearly 
extinct." 

It was the custom to give the men who went with the boats 
every tenth barrel of salt for their pay. There was a Dutch- 
man by the name of Jacob Kitelinger (as it was pronounced), 
who said to Judge Smith on one of his trips, " Judge, you are 
an old friend of mine, and, I believe, a good one. Prove it by 
giving me every twelfth barrel. I think I deserve it." The 
Judge thought about it, and finally, for friendshi2:>^ s sake, 
agreed to do it. Kitelinger was delighted, and when they 
reached Pittsburg worked industriously, setting aside for him- 
self every twelfth barrel. But when he found that the others 
received ten barrels for every hundred and he only eight, the 
poor fellow was in despair. The Judge, however, was a man 
of honor, and gave him his due, but Jacob could never under- 
stand it. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 183 

Keelboat fare has been pronounced, even by some epicures, 
the very sweetest, owing, undoubtedly, to tlie fresh air and a 
good appetite. A mass composed of flour and water was well 
kneaded on the top of a barrel, the large loaf then placed on a 
board before the fire, and when well browned the lower side 
placed in the same position. Some slices of bacon were then 
roasted on the points of sticks, to complete the variety. Their 
drink was usually chocolate, with the bacon held over while 
roasting, some drops of the fat imparting a richness and flavor 
to the beverage. 

To impel by poles against the current (as they were obliged 
to do on their return) was a most laborious employment ; 
keelmen not unfrequently at that day had the side flayed and 
raw as a poor draught-horse long galled by the harness. ^'No 
more going ahead, backward,^ ^ was the expressive toast of an 
old boatman at the Meadville canal celebration ; and well did 
his class appreciate the improvement. 

On April 8, 1833, the town of Waterford was erected into a 
borough, being bounded and limited as follows : beginning at 
a white ash at the northwest corner of the Waterford reserve, 
adjoining lands of J. Vincent, Esq., on the north and west; 
thence east 276 perches along the north side of Circuit Street, 
adjoining lands of J. Vincent, Esq., and the heirs of A. Him- 
Tod, to a post at the northwest corner of G. W. Reed's land ; 
thence south along the reserve line 159 perches to a post at the 
southeast corner of said Reed's land ; thence east 69 perches 
along the southern boundaries of the same and the reserve line 
to a post ; thence south 26 degrees, east 125 perches, along the 
eastern boundaries of out-lots numbers 30, 23, 22, 94, and 1, to 
a post adjoining land of Amos Judson on the south ; thence 
south 64 degrees, west along the line dividing the out-lots and 
reserve tracts, 261 perches to a post at the southwest corner of 
out-lot number 12 ; thence north 26 degrees, west 40 perches, 
along the western boundary of said out-lot to a post on the 
south side of Water Street ; thence south 64 degrees, west 126 
perches along the south side of Water Street, to a post on the 
west side of Circuit Street ; and thence north 422 perches along 
the west side of Circuit Street to the place of beginning. 

The first borough officers were elected in 1834. Amos 



184 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Judson, Burgess ; John Boyd, Henry Colt, Williani Benson, 
John Tracy, Isaac M. White, Wilson King, Town Council ; 
Charles C. Boyd, High Constable ; B. B. Vincent, Town 
Clerk and Treasurer ; Samuel Hutchins and Daniel Vincent, 
Overseers of the Poor. 

Waterford has a plank road connecting it with Erie and 
with Meadville, and the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, which 
as yet has appeared to be of no advantage to the town. 

It has four churches, of the United Presbyterian, New 
School Presbyterian, Protestant Episcopal, and Methodist 
EjDiscopal denominations. The Presbyterian church was 
organized in 1810, Rev. John Mathews being the first pastor, 
and William Bracken, John Lytle, and Ai'chibald Watson, 
the first trustees. 

In 1832 the Presbyterians united with the Protestant Epis- 
copal denomination in erecting a church, which now belongs 
to the latter exclusively. In 1835 they erected their present 
house of worship. 

The Associate Reformed church (United Presbyterian) was 
organized in 1816, Rev. Robert Reid being the first pastor. 
This is much the largest congregation in Waterford, and, like 
the same denomination in Erie, composed almost entirely of 
Irish Protestants. The founders were W^illiam Smith, Robert 
Kincaid, and William Carson. A year or two since they en- 
larged and improved their building. 

The Methodist Society was organized as early as 1814, but 
did not erect a house of worship until 1854. Rev. Mr. Pad- 
dock, first pastor. 

A Protestant Episcopal church was organized in 1827, and 
they erected their building, as mentioned above, in 1832. 
Rev. Bennet Glover was their first clergyman. Dr. M. B. 
Bradley, Timothy Judson, Amos Judson, Martin Strong, 
John Vincent, James Pollock, and John Tracy were the first 
officers. 

Waterford Academy is the oldest institution of the kind in 
the county, as we have mentioned. 

Waterford has eight factories and one banking establish- 
ment. 

The borough officers are William Judson, Burgess ; David 



1 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 185 

Boyd, William C. Smith, Samuel C. Stamford, J. L. Cook, J. 
L. McKay, Owen McGill, Town Council ; J. M. White, Town 
Clerk and Treasurer. 

Edinboro, in Washington township, is twenty miles south 
of Erie, and but two miles from Crawford County. It was 
incorporated April 3, 1840, and is the most enterprising interior 
town in the county. Mr. Culbertson built a mill here about 
1800, being one of the first mills erected in the county. 
Families of the name of Hamilton and Reeder were also 
among the first settlers. It was formerly called Conneauttee 
or Little Conneaut, an Anglicized aboriginal word. 

Eight miles in a southwesterly direction from Meadville, is 
a beautiful lake three or four miles in length and one in 
breadth, called Conneaut, or as the Senecas pronounce it, 
Kon-ne-yaut, "the snow place." The Indians of the neigh- 
borhood had observed the snow to remain some time on the 
frozen lake after its disappearance elsewhere. 

Here are church organizations of the Baptist, Methodist 
Episcopal, and Old and New School Presbyterian denomina- 
tions. 

The Old School Presbyterians, under the pastoral charge of 
the Rev. James Dickey, erected their building in 1855, at a 
cost of $2,000. It has sittings for five hundred and fifty 
persons. The Methodist Episcopal church will accommodate 
two hundred and fifty persons, and cost $500. The New 
School Presbyterian church cost $3,000, and will accommodate 
five hundred. The Baptists are yet without a house of worship. 

In 1833 the Conneauttee Library Company was incorporated. 
Edinboro has the most expensive school buildings in the 
county, and the citizens have exhibited a commendable spirit 
of liberality and enterprise in their efforts connected with the 
establishment of the Normal School of the twelfth district in 
their midst. About $25,000 have been raised by them in 
subscriptions and expended in buildings and improvements, 
and the success of the school promises to compensate for the 
Investment, and add to the population and prosperity of the 
town. The Normal School has at present four teachers and 
about eighty pupils. There is also one comnron school with 
two teachers and one hundred and thirty-six pupils. 



186 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

M. Saley was elected burgess in 1861. A plank road con- 
nects Edinboro with Erie and Meadville. 

For manufactures there are two cooper shops, two for the 
manufacture of sashes and blinds, one of shovel handles, three 
of cabinetware, a tannery, gristmill, sawmill, and tin shop. 

The water power of Conneauttee Lake, obtained by the 
damming of the outlet, is one of unsurpassed excellence, and 
many factories working wood and lumber are found along the 
stream below. This lake is noted for its double, white pond 
lilies, which are exquisitely beautiful, and peculiar, we be- 
lieve, to the American continent ; springing from the bottom 
of the lake, they expand their flowers when they reach the 
surface and sunshine. 

Northeast was formerly called Gibsonville, and later 
Burgettstow)!, and is seventeen miles east of Erie, on the 
Buffalo and State Line Railroad. This vicinity has been long 
settled, and is highly cultivated and populous. The inhabit- 
ants are mostly Eastern people, while in other parts of the 
county the Scotch-Irish element predominates.* 

Northeast has three churches, one public school, and a 
flourishing high school, at present under the management of 
P. H. Stewart, with three assistants. Rev. Mr. Carrier's very 
interesting history of the Presbyterian church in this place is 
found under the general head. The Methodist Episcopal 
church was formed at an early day. The Baptists dedicated a 
neat and commodious house of worship February 1, 1860. 
For many years this people had maintained public worship 
two miles east of the borough ; in July, 1858, a church was 
organized denominated "The First Baptist Church of North- 
east." Officers: E. C. Heath, A. Partridge, Deacons; E. C. 
Heath, A. Partridge, S. Malick, Trustees ; and H. Partridge, 
Clerk. 

An account of Northeast cemetery is found elsewhere. 

For manufactures it has four shoe shops, two tin and two 
wagon establishments, one plow manufactory, a cabinet shop, 

1 The first brick building erected in the county was the residence of Mr. 
Silliman in 1809 or 1810, which is still firm and good. It is said the con- 
tractor was to have so much a thousand for all the brick he put in, and in 
accordance with a law of human nature, he used an enormous quantity, 
which in the end has proved good economy. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 187 

ashery, etc. It has also one banking office. At Freeport, two 
miles distant, the Franklin Paper Mill, owned by J. S. John- 
son, is in excellent order, with every modern improvement. 
In 1860 they manufactured 4,000 reams of wrapping paper, 
2,000 of writing paper, and 2,000 of printing. In 1838 a paper 
mill on the same site, the property of Mr. W. S. Hall, was 
consumed by fire, at a loss of $15,000. 

In 1860 the borough officers were Philetus Glass, Burgess ; 
J. M. Conrad, Richard Bran, John Greer, Rufus Loomis, 
Levi Jones, and Harley Selkregg, Town Council. 

Wattsburg, Venango township, is seventeen miles east of 
southeast from Erie, at the forks of French Creek. Provi- 
sions and stores from Pittsburg were landed here for Colt's 
Station and Northeast from their first settlement. There was 
also a landing at Bissel's mill, seven miles above Wattsburg, 
on French Creek, where at first provisions were landed for 
Colt's Station, being but two miles distant. In 1797 Mr. 
"William Miles built " the upper storehouse," in which was 
deposited a few dry goods for the convenience of the settlers, 
and to exchange for furs, besides being a depot for provisions. 
Mr. David Watts (of the company known at an early day as 
Watts, Scott & Co.), from whom the town was named, owned 
a tract of 1,400 acres in the vicinity. 

In 1796 Adam Reed and a Mr. Tracy, with their families, 
settled up the stream, a little above Wattsburg. Messrs. 
Reed and Tracy built a small gristmill on the east branch of 
French Creek at an early day. 

In Ajiril, 1833, Wattsburg was erected into a borough, with 
the following boundaries : beginning at French Creek where 
the old State line crosses the same, being the south boundary 
of Venango township ; thence east along said line 180 perches ; 
thence north 180 perches ; thence west 180 perches (more or 
less) to French Creek ; thence southwardly by the windings 
of said creek to the place of beginning. 

Wattsburg had, in 1840, one hundred and thirty-one inhabit- 
ants, and in 1860, three hundred and thirty-seven. It has 
three churches, a select school, and a common school with two 
teachers and one hundred and two scholars, which has a new 
building in progress. The Presbyterian church was organized 



188 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

at an early day — the church being of the New School branch 
dedicated a house of \vorship in 1854, It is valued at $1,500, 
and will seat three hundred persons. The Baptist and 
Methodist Episcopal denominations have also churches ; the 
Methodists completed a new one the past year at an expense 
of $4,000, which will seat four hundred. The Baptist will 
accommodate two hundred, and cost $1,200. 

For manufactui'es it has two sash, door, and blind factories, 
two boot and shoe shops, one tannery, one harness, one of 
cabinetM'are, one ashery, etc. 

This borough and the vicinity has been greatly benefited by 
the building of the Erie and Wattsburg plank road. In 1836 
a bill for a railroad called the " Erie and Wattsburg Railroad " 
(a connection being intended with the New York and Erie) 
became a law, but for want of means the road was never built. 

Wattsburg has a fine water power, an extensive flat and 
bottom lands up both branches of the Creek, and on the main 
stream. The forests are of pine, cherry, and other valuable 
timber. The soil is productive, the water clear and whole- 
some, and the climate salubrious. 

L. S. Chapin was elected Burgess of the borough, in 1861, 
and Lyman Robinson, Justice of the Peace. 

GiRARD was named from Stephen Girard, who, at the time 
the village was laid out, had a large tract of land in Conneaut 
township adjoining. 

In 1814 the site of this pleasant borough was a part of the 
farm of John Taylor, and his residence was the only building.^ 
It is fifteen miles south of west from Erie, and ten miles from 
the Ohio State line, and overlooks some of the finest scenery 
in the country. The valley of Elk Creek, winding toward 
the east, has precipitous banks — the stream having Avorn its 
bed in some places to the depth of two hundred feet. The 
rocky formation here is a soft, friable slate, in which are 
many fossil shells, and which appears solid, but on exposure 
soon crumbles to clay. On the creek there are several mills, 
and the water power is sufficient for an indefinite number. 

1 The names of some of the earliest inhabitants in this vicinity were 
Miles Taggart, Joseph WeUs, James Laughlin, James Silverthorn, and 
Willard Badger. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 189 

Around is a rich agricultural country, dotted with pleasant 
farm houses and well-cultivated fields, and owned by a people 
who are excelled by none in all the qualities of good citizen- 
ship. 

The borough was incorporated in 1846. The first officers 
were Mason Kellogg, Burgess; John McClure, Jr., Lefferet 
Hart, H. McConnell, and George H. Cutler, Town Council ; 
L. S. Jones, Clerk. It contains four churches and a fine 
academy capable of accommodating two hundred pupils — 
this is particularly described elsewhere. Of the churches, the 
Methodist was organized at a very early day ; the Presby- 
terians were organized in 1830, and after the division of the 
General Assembly in 1837, the New School branch retained 
the building. Three of the elders, Messrs. Bristol, Porter, 
and Blair, remained with the Old School, and for some years 
the possession of the church property was disputed by the 
two parties. The Old School, for some time, had preaching in 
the Methodist Episcopal church, and in 1852 ei*ected a build- 
ing. The Universalist church was organized in 1853, and their 
house of worship was erected soon after. A Roman Catholic 
church (Irish) was consecrated in 1856. This is outside of the 
borough limits. 

The Erie Canal crosses the principal street on its west end, 
thus increasing its business without marring its appearance. 
The depot of the Lake Shore Railroad and the Pittsburg and 
Erie Railroad is about two miles north of Girard ; from tliis 
place to Erie both roads use the same track. 

For manufactures Girard has two carriage shops, a steam 
planing mill, and the requisite stores and shops for the popu- 
lation of the town and vicinity. 

The buildings and grounds of the citizens are quite tasteful ; 
the streets and walks are delightfully shaded by elms, maples, 
and locusts ; the society is cultivated, and altogether Girard is 
quite a desirable place of residence. 

West Girard has about twenty dwellings, Methodist, Epis- 
copal, and Baptist churches, three machine shops, a mill, etc. 

Union City, or Miles's Mills, the thii-d town in popu- 
lation, having 807 inhabitants, is situated twenty miles south- 
east of Erie, on the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad. Mr. 



190 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

William Miles, from whom the place derived its name, was a 
soldier in the revolutionary army, and at the capture of Fort 
Freeland, on the West Branch, was taken prisoner and 
carried to Canada, where he remained until the peace. He 
then returned to Northumberland County, and in 1785, with 
Mr. David Watts, was appointed (by Gov. Mifflin, we believe) 
to survey the tenth Donation Tract.' In June, 1795, he re- 
turned and settled on the flats of French Creek, in what is 
now Concord township, Erie County. Accompanying him 
were his wife and children, and Mr. William Cook with his 
family. The manner in which Mr. Miles's children were con- 
veyed from Franklin, Venango County, is worthy of especial 
notice. A sack was provided, partly open at the side, but 
closed at the end. The sack was thrown across the horse and 
a child placed in each side. Mrs. Miles carried her youngest 
child before her on the horse. Mrs. Miles and Mrs. Cook, her 
sister, were, next to Mrs. Reed, the first white women in the 
county. 

Mr. Miles resided in Concord about five years, removing in 
1800 to Union, where he erected the same year a sawmill and 
gristmill, and a frame dwelling house, which, from its being 
an unusual improvement, Mr. Judah Colt recorded in his 
diary at the time its dimensions, being twenty by seventy feet, 
and a story and a half in height. The nearest station was in 
distance eight miles. All provisions, in 1795, were transported 
by means of pack-horses, from Pittsburg to Concord ; shortly 
after, they were brought up the Allegheny, and thence by its 
tributaries to Union City. 

In 1796 Mr. Miles commenced clearing land where Watts- 
burg now stands, and built, in addition to his dwelling house, 
a store for provisions, where also a few dry goods were kept 
to exchange for furs. Wattsburg was laid out by him some 

1 The provisions of tlie party being procured in Harrisburg, were packed 
on liorses and conveyed to a p)Oint near Wattsburg. An incident is related 
of tlie Indian steward: "The duties of Messrs. Miles and Watts being 
very severe, they hired an Indian, who was to act in the capacity of 
general cook, furnisli meat, etc. ' Mr. Indian,' as is natural to the race, in 
time became remarkably lazy in his endeavors to procure meat, giving, as 
his excuse, the scarcity of it in the wilderness ; but the trick was carried too 
far, and Messrs. Miles and Watts becoming cognizant that he was deceiv- 
ing them, cut short his allowance of food, which brought 'the native of 
the forest' to a strict sense of his duty, which he never neglected after- 
ward." 



I 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 191 

thirty years after. Mr, Miles died in Girard township in 
March, 1846, aged eighty-seven years. "As a pioneer lie 
was hardy, intelUgent, and sagacious. Endowed by nature 
with a mind of uncommon vigor, his talents were early called 
into action by the settlers, who, for a series of years, gathered 
around him as the guardian of their interests." 

In the year 1796 families named Hurd, McCrea, Wilson, and 
Findley settled in the neighborhood of Union Mills. Three 
years ago Union Mills had but 293 inhabitants ; its real and 
personal property was then valued at $98,217 ; it is now 
estimated at §267,380, which is a greater proportional increase- 
than any other toAvn in the county, and may be attributed to 
the facilities afforded by the railroad, and the transhipment of 
oil. 

For religious privileges it has a Presbyterian church (New 
School), one Methodist Episcopal church, and one Roman 
Catholic church. It has two schools. 

The Penn Rock Oil Refining Company, Mr. Parsons, mana- 
ger, procured ground and erected a building, in which it is 
estimated fifty barrels will be refined daily. Clark, Andrews 
& Co. have established recently a factory for the manufacture 
of oil and flour barrels, firkins, etc. In this establishment they 
expect to manufacture eighty to one hundred oil barrels per 
day, and twice that number of flour barrels. The whole cost 
of machinery and buildings will be $4,000. The town has 
three oil refineries, one steam shingle factory, one for fork and 
shovel handles, one for wagons and sleighs, one sash, door, 
and planing mill, one of tin and sheet iron ware, one boot and 
shoe shop, and one cabinet shop. 

Union township abounds in oak, white wood, cherry, second 
growth of ash, pine, and hemlock timber. 

Albion, Conneaut township, became a borough in 1860, and 
elected officers in March. In 1861 Perry Kidder was elected 
burgess. It is an active, thriving town, and in 1860 numbered 
443 inhabitants ; has a Methodist Episcopal church, and an 
academy with two teachers, and about seventy-five pupils in 
attendance. 

Messrs. North and Denis manufacture at this place shovels, 
forks, hoes, hammers, etc., on quite an extensive scale. The 



192 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

power is steam ; the articles are made of steel, manufactured at 
a branch, of the firm in Central New York, whence they are 
forwarded to this point, where handles are affixed to them for 
the Western trade, while for the Eastern trade, handles are 
forwarded to that branch of the concern. The articles are all 
finished in the best style and defy competition. The number 
annually manufactured is counted by the hundred thousand. 

This enterprise has been long enough prosecuted to acquire 
stability and permanence, and the management evinces a 
skill and discretion that augurs well both for the proprietors 
and the communities in which they are operating. A horse- 
rake factory in the same vicinity is on quite an extensive 
scale. It has also a machine shop and oar factory. The Ex'ie 
Canal and Pittsburg & Erie Railroad pass through the place. 

Cherry Hill,, in the same township, has about one 
hundred inhabitants, a church, one store, and several shops. 
It has but lately come into existence, but has good prospects, 
and ambition in abundance. 

Wellsburg is a j)leasant little place on the east branch of 
Conneaut Creek, in Elk Creek township. It has 310 inhab- 
itants, one Free Baptist church, one Methodist Episcopal 
church, and a Universalist church, erected in 1855. It has 
the largest tannery in the county, twelve shops of different 
kinds, and perhaps a dozen sawmills in the village and vicin- 
ity. The inhabitants are peaceful, temperate, and industrious. 

Quite an unusual excitement prevailed within a few months, 
on the cleaning of a salt well which had been opened forty 
years since. An artesian well 300 feet deep three times vio- 
lently ejected gas, etc., giving indications of oil. The occur- 
rence brought to the locality many strangers and speculators. 

Cranesville is a village very pleasantly located in Elk 
Creek township. The first settlement was made here in 1796 
or '97, by Elihu Crane, Sr., a veteran of the revolution. It 
has about thirty dwellings, a tavern, and a few stores and 
shops, one school, and a Methodist Episcopal church, midway 
between the village and Wellsburg. It is twenty-four miles 
from Erie and on the canal. 

LocKPORT, in Girard township, is twenty-one miles from 
Erie on the canal, and so named from having twelve locks in 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 193 

the vicinity. It was laid out and settled at the time the Ex- 
tension Canal was being built. It has a Methodist Episcopal 
church, a Baptist church, and two public schools, averaging 
sixty scholars each. An extensive oar factory was built here 
by Messrs. Page, being 180 feet in length, 60 feet wide, and 
four stories high, but it is closed at present. It has several 
stores and shops, a printing office, windmill, small furnace, 
warehouse, etc., with a population of about 200. 

Pageville is seven miles from Lockport, and has about 
100 inhabitants, mostly employed manufacturing oars. Its 
post office is Platea. This village was built up principally by 
the enterprise of Mr. E, Page, near the edge of a large, dense 
forest of heavy ash and oak timber, which he has manufac- 
tured largely into oars and sent to all parts of Europe as well 
as the United States. 

At Lexington (a few miles south of Girard) the Pennsyl- 
vania Population Company had a station about 1797, Col. 
Dunning McNair being the acting agent. 

Fairview, or Sturgeonville, is about twelve miles from 
Erie, being near the Lake Shore Railroad and Peimsylvania 
Canal. It has three churches, five stores, one carriage factory, 
one brewery, and several other shops. The inhabitants are 
mostly German, and are honest, diligent, and happy. It has 
423 inhabitants. In 1814 there was but one dwelling where 
this village stands, which was owned and occupied by Mr. 
Wm. Sturgeon. 

A contest between the Old and New School Presbyterian 
churches arose in Fairview shortly after the division of the 
General Assembly. Mr. Wm. Sturgeon died previous to 1837, 
and bequeathed to the Presbyterian church of Fairview, after 
the decease of his widow, about fifty acres of land and twenty 
town lots for church purposes. A burying-ground and school- 
house upon the premises were to remain undisturbed. Six 
months after the decease of the widow, the church was to be 
organized, and a house of worship erected within one year. 
If these conditions were not complied with, the property was 
to be a donation to the Presbyterian Board of Publication, 

Both branches of the church erected buildings within the 
stated time. The Court of Common Pleas decided in favor of 



194 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the Old School, and the Supreme Court confirmed the decision. 
In 1860 the New School removed their building. 

Manchester, at the mouth of Walnut Creek, has some 
fine scenery and a few pleasant residences. There are two 
paper mills here. The Keystone Mills, R. L. Perkins, pro- 
prietor, manufactures printing, colored, and manilla paper, 
and employs six men and four girls. Adelphic Mills, J. C. 
Perkins, proprietor, manufactures manilla and wrapping 
paper, and employs four men and one girl. 

McKean Corners is on the old State line. It has a Metho- 
dist church and parsonage, twenty or thirty dwellings, etc. 

Wesleyville has 164 inhabitants, a Methodist church, 
several shops and stores, and one gristmill. 

West Springfield has a Methodist Episcopal church and 
a Universalist church, an academy and boarding hall, de- 
scribed elsewhere. The Lake Shore Railroad passes near. 

Springfield also has an academy and a Presbyterian 
church. 

Beaverdam, in Wayne township, has a Methodist Episco- 
pal church, a Presbyterian church, and several shops and 
stores. 

At Concord Station, on the Philadelphia and Erie Rail- 
road, the gristmill known as Hall's lately passed into the 
hands of Norton & Miller, and has been repaired and re- 
modeled to equal any in the county. Mr. Bedient erected a 
large turning and planing mill, and the carding machine of 
Mr. Reynolds has given place to a large woolen factory. Mr. 
Barry, late of Chautauqua County, recently erected a large 
hotel ; and an oil refinery, with a capital of $2,500, is in pro- 
gress, being directed by Mr. Ensign Baker, an experienced 
chemist from Fredonia, New York. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Biographies of Col. 8eth Reed—Rufics S. Reed — Jndah Colt — Dr. U. 
Parsons — Dr. J. C. Wallace — Rev. Robert Reid — Thomas Wilso7i 
—P. S. r. Hamot—Capt. D. Dobbins— T. H. Sill—G. Sanford— 
Judge J. Oalbraith. 

CoiiONEL Seth Reed was a native of Rhode Island, but at 
an early day removed to Uxbridge, Massachusetts. By pro- 
fession he was a physician, and served in the revolutionary 
army at Bunker Hill with the rank of colonel. About 1790 he 
removed to Ontario County, New York, where he came in 
possession, probably by purchase from the Indians, of a very 
valuable tract of laud eighteen miles in extent, known as the 
" Reed and Ryckman location." This he disposed of, and in 
1795 removed with his family to Erie. 

In Historical Collections of Pennsylvania we find : " Mr. 
William Connelly, now of Franklin, came out to Erie in the 
spring of 1795 with his cousin, Thomas Rees. They saw Col. 
Reed land — the first white settler' — who came in a bark boat 
with a quantity of groceries, liquors, and Indian goods. He 
erected a log cabin, soon after made it a double one, and 
called it Presqu'ile Hotel, where he entertained traders and 
travelers on the lake shore." In the "Holland Purchase" we 
find an extract from Deacon Hinds Chamberlain's journal, 
being an account of a journey to Waterford in 1795. *'0n 
our return from Le Boeuf to Presqu'ile we found there Col. 
Seth Reed and his family. They had just arrived. James 
Baggs and Giles Sisson came on with Col. Reed. I remained 
for a considerable time in his emploj'." 

Col. Reed's wife and sons. Manning and John Charles, came 
with him ; Rufus Seth a few months after, and George with 

1 Mr. ^¥illiam Miles settled on the flats of French Creek, at a point 
"Where two or more roads cross, a little northwest of the place where the 
Stranahans now live, in Concord township, in tlie month of June, 1795. 

195 



196 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the daughters, Mrs. T. Rees and Mrs. J. Fairbanks, the follow- 
ing year. 

Col. Reed died March 19, 1797, aged fifty-three years. Mrs. 
Reed (who was Hannah Manning, of Dedham, Mass.) died 
December 8, 1821, at the age of seventy-three, having lived to 
see great changes, and to tell those who came after of the trials 
and hardships of life in the wilderness. 

RuFus Seth Reed was the third son of Col. Seth Reed, and 
was born at Uxbridge, Mass., Oct. 11, 1775. In 1798 he was 
married to Dolly Oaks, daughter of Jonathan Oaks, Esq., of 
Palmyra, who died the same year. In 1801 he was married to 
Agnes Irwin. 

Rufus S. Reed was long regarded as the father of the town, 
his residence here being coeval with its settlement. From the 
first efforts to dispel the gloom of the surrounding forest to the 
hour of his death he was a master spirit, conspicuous for his 
enterprise, perseverance, excellent judgment and penetration, 
remarkable business talent and success. 

As a man, Mr. Reed was kind hearted, entirely free from 
ostentation, easy of approach, and took delight in a generous 
action. "Early seeing the advantageous position of the lake 
country as a theater of enterprise, he was one of the first to 
lead off and plant the germs of a commerce that under his eye 
attained a growth which equaled that of one third of the 
Union. Possessed of a vigorous constitution, with an active 
mind and body, he earnestly engaged in extensive business 
undertakings which spread over a wide district of country, 
and amply repaid him for his enterprise and labor, as evinced 
by the immense estate he was in possession of at his death." 
To his various commercial, banking, and mercantile employ- 
ments he added that of farmer, and applied himself with a 
zest and with his usual success to agriculture. 

After a protracted illness, his mind retaining its accustomed 
clearness to the last, he expired on the first of June, 1846, aged 
seventy years. Mrs. Reed and his only son and child. Gen. 
C. M. Reed, still survive. 

JuDAH Colt was born at Lyme, Conn., July first, 1761. As 
his history is identified with that of the western country, a 
brief sketch and some extracts from his journal will be given. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 197 

Until the age of twenty-three he assisted his father on the 
farm, and tlie last three winters taught school in the neigh- 
boring towns. He then resolved to see something of the 
world, and took passage in the sloop Betsy for North Carolina. 
As they were driven off the shore by adverse winds, they 
landed at the island of Bermuda, disposed of their perishing 
cargo, and repaired the vessel. They then made the harbor of 
Ocracock, N. C, and Mr. Colt visited the larger towns and 
taught school in the vicinity until spring, when he returned 
home after an absence of over six months. As was the cus- 
tom, the prayers of the church at home had been offered for 
his safe return. In the autumn he made a tour to Vermont, 
taught school in Williamstown, Mass., in the winter, and 
next engaged himself as a clerk in the dry goods store of Mr. 
Thomas Shelden, of Lansingburg, N. Y. 

When he returned to the parental roof, after an absence of 
eighteen months, his father made him proposals "such as a 
kind parent would do," but having seen a better country for 
obtaining an estate by labor, he excused himself from accept- 
ing his offer, and returned to Lansingburg to enter the em- 
ploy of Mr. Nathaniel Gorham, a respectable merchant. Mr. 
Colt's father dying, he returned and settled his estate, spend- 
ing the winter there. Finally, after several other tours, in 
1789 he, with thirteen persons, with their goods, farming 
utensils, etc., set out for the Genesee country. At German 
Flats their wagon broke, and they proceeded from thence on 
horseback, each traveler carrying his own baggage. Through 
the scattering Dutch settlements the accommodations were 
poor. At Fort Schuyler (Utica) they crossed the Mohawk 
where there were but one or two small log houses ; ten miles 
west they put up at Mr. Blackman's ; from thence proceeded 
through the Oneida castle, following a bridle path, and at 
night encamped on the Canasaraga Flats. Here Mr. Colt's 
horse failed to keep up with the company, and Mr. E. Curtis 
agreed to move with him, as his horse could travel. Two days 
after leaving Utica they reached Onondaga river, and put up 
at Maj. Danforth's, near the salt spring, which was the only 
white family they found after leaving Blackman's. (One 
man resided in Oneida castle named Alburt or Talbut.) At 



198 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Cayuga Lake a family by the name of Richardson resided, 
who ferried them and their horses over in two cauoes lashed 
together ; ten days from Utica they ai'rived at Geneva, and 
put up at Gilbert R. Boney's, Mr. Colt's horse having failed 
after crossing the outlet of Seneca Lake. After remaining a 
day or two in Geneva he walked to Canandaigua and took 
shelter in a cabin occupied by Gen. Israel Chapin, being much 
fatigued. Provisions were brought in boats from Albany and 
Schenectady, and there was a great scarcity of the necessaries 
of life. 

Mr. Colt contracted with O. Phelps, Esq., to survey a town- 
ship situated on the Genesee River, known as No. 11, Honeoye 
township. On July 1, 1789, he purchased a town lot (forty 
acres) of O. Phelps, cleared the timber, and afterward erected 
a dwelling in which he resided for many years. He sowed 
wheat upon three acres of his lot the same fall, which was the 
first sown in that part of the country. N. Gorham and 
others sowed large fields the same season. [Mr. Colt's yielded 
twenty bushels to the acre.] In August a treaty was held for 
the purchase of the Indian lands, attended by the chief. Red 
Jacket, and 1,700 Indians, including women and children. The 
payment was made them in cash and merchandise. Rations 
of bread, m^eat, and occasionally rum were served out, and 
they came and went hungry. One hundred head of cattle 
were killed for them, but of flour there was a scarcity — one 
barrel made into bread sold for one hundred dollars in silver 
plate, of which various kinds of Indian ornaments were made. 
Many horses died distempered during the treaty, and the 
Indians fed on them freely, and also on the blood and 
entrails of all the beef slaughtered. While the treaty con- 
tinued but little else was attended to, and although no serious 
accident happened between the whites and Indians, there 
were several narrow escapes in consequence of the Indians 
making too free use of spirits, and the misconduct of the 
white people, who were often the aggressors. 

The winter following, Mr. Colt spent in Connecticut, his 
health having become impaired by frequent attacks of fever 
and ague. In September, 1790, he received the appointment 
from Gov. Clinton of sheriff of Ontario County ; and on the 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 199 

third of the same mouth a court of quarter and general 
sessions of the peace was held at the dwelling-house of O. 
Phelps ; Oliver Phelps, Esq., presided as judge, and James 
Parker and Israel Chapin as assistant justices. 

In January, 1792, Mr. Colt was married to Elizabeth Marvin, 
of Lyme, Connecticut. During the winter of 1794, he con- 
tinued in Canandaigua for the first time. The inhabitants 
were under serious apprehensions of an invasion by the 
Indians in the spring, if measures were not taken by the 
general government to quiet them. Early in the spring, news 
was brought to I. Chapin, Esq. (Geneva), superintendent of 
Indian affairs, that Capt. Brant had assembled with his 
warriors at Buffalo Creek, and was proceeding to Presqu'ile, 
Pennsylvania, to prevent the survey of the Triangle. To 
prevent serious consequences, Mr. Chapin repaired to Buffalo 
Creek, Mr. S. Colt accompanying him as secretary, and 
Horatio Jones as interpreter. The Indians were assembled, 
and after consultation, a part of the young men were dis- 
missed, and a few of the chiefs took passage by water, with 
the superintendent, secretary, and interpreter, to Presqu'ile. 
From this they went on foot to Le Boeuf, where Avas stationed 
a small command of State troops, under Capt. Ebenezer 
Denny. On the Indians making their errand known, viz., to 
see the surveyors and to forbid them running lines, etc., they 
were informed that they shortly before left the country and 
had gone down the river. The Indians agreed to return home 
on assurances being given that the matter should be laid before 
the President of the United States. 

It was agreed to hold a treaty with them the ensuing fall. 
Timothy Pickering, Esq., was appointed for that purpose, and 
met them at Canandaigua, in the month of October, when all 
matters of difference were amicably settled. 

In August, 1795, Mr. Colt, accompanied by Mr. Augustus 
Porter, visited Presqu'ile for the purpose of purchasing laud ; 
and February, 1796, Mr. Colt made a journey to Philadelphia 
to confinia the purchase of his lands, as well as to make an 
offer to the Population Company of one dollar per acre for a 
tract of 30,000 acres in tlie eastern part of the Triangle. The 
company declined to sell in so large a body, but appointed Mr. 



200 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Colt their agent, at a salary of §1,500 per year, besides ex- 
penses for traveling, board, etc. In 1798 the salary M'as in- 
creased to $2,500, a clerk furnished, and all reasonable travel- 
ing expenses paid. May, 1798, Mr. Colt brought his family to 
Greenfield, where they resided until their removal to Ei'ie in 
1802. The history of Erie County, during its first thirty years 
in business and society aflTairs, is closely interwoven with that 
of its two most prominent citizens, Judah Colt and R. S. Reed. 
In October, 1825, Mr. Colt was elected first elder of the First 
Presbyterian church, and was distinguished for his piety and 
benevolence, as well as esteemed and respected in all the vari- 
ous relations of life. 

The evening of October 11, 1832, without the least premoni- 
tion, Mr. Colt suddenly expired, when seated with his family 
by the cheerful fireside. Mrs. Colt died March 13, 1834, aged 
sixty-six years ; they left no children, two sons and a daughter 
having died in infancy. 

Usher Parsons, M.D., formerly of the United States Navy 
— the last surviving commissioned officer of Perry's squadron — 
was a native of York County, Maine. When war was declared 
with Great Britain in 1812, he was a surgeon's mate on board 
of the John Adams. The officers and crew volunteered for 
the lake service and joined Perry at Erie in June, 1813. Dr. 
Parsons was attached to the fiagship Lawrence, and, owing to 
the illness of the two other medical officers of the squadron, 
was the only acting surgeon on the bloody and eventful tenth. 
Respecting his valuable services on that trying occasion, the 
commodore made most honorable mention in a letter ad- 
dressed to the Secretary of the Navy.^ Soon after (1814), he 
was commissioned full surgeon and sailed with the squadron 
to Mackinaw, and was present at the disastrous attack on that 
fort by Col. Croghan. Com. Perry was soon after ordered to 
the command of the frigate Java, and allowed the privilege of 
selecting his officers, when Dr. Parsons was appointed surgeon. 

1 " Of Dr. Usher Parsons, surgeon's mate, I cannot say too much. In 
consequence of the sickness of Drs. Barton and Horsely, the duty of 
operating, dressing, and attending nearly a hundred wounded and as 
many sick, fell on him ; and it must be gratifying to you, sir, to know that 
of the whole number only three have died. I can only say that in the 
event of my having another command, I should consider myself particu- 
larly fortunate in having him with me as a surgeon." 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 201 

In 1818 he again sailed to the Mediterranean in the Guer- 
riere, commanded by Com. McDonough, and after one year 
obtained leave of absence and visited the hospitals and medi- 
cal schools in France and England. On his return he had 
charge of the hospital in Charlestown, Mass., for a year or 
two ; afterward he was appointed to a professorship in Dart- 
mouth College, which he resigned the following year. Since 
then Dr. Parsons has resided in Providence, Rhode Island, ex- 
cepting the winter of 1831, when he was Professor in Jefferson 
Medical College, Philadelphia. 

In 1822 he married Mary Jackson Holmes, a sister of Dr. 
Oliver Wendell Holmes, the celebrated author and litterateur, 
and daughter of Abiel Holmes, D.D., LL. D., of Cambridge 
(author of Annals of America). Mrs. Parsons deceased in 1825, 
leaving one son. Dr. C. W. Parsons, of Providence. 

Dr. Usher Parsons resigned his commission in the United 
States Navy in 1823. He was for some years connected with 
Brown University as professor of anatomy and surgerj^ In 
1852 he was chosen first vice-president of the National Medi- 
cal Association. He wrote the Life of Sir William Pepperell, 
several medical works. Reforms in the Navy, and probably he 
had a more complete knowledge of Indian traditions and his- 
tory than any other jjerson. 

Dr. Parsons combined not only eminence as a professional 
man and scholar, but all the virtues and graces of a Christian 
gentleman. The period he was stationed in Erie, and the 
arduous duties which then devolved upon him, made a lasting 
impression, and in its growth and prosperity, and in the friends 
of those early and exciting times he ever manifested a warm 
interest. 

Dr. John Culbertson Wallace, the first resident phy- 
sician in Erie, was born in Dauj^hin County, Pennsylvania, 
February 14, 1771. He was a good classical scholar, and gradu- 
ated as Doctor of Medicine, at Philadelphia, under Rush and 
other celebrated medical men. In 1796 he accomi^anied Gen. 
Wayne as surgeon in the Indian war ; was stationed at Fort 
Fayette, Pittsburg, and in 1801 went to Kentucky with Gen. 
Wilkinson's command. The same year he was married to Miss 
Margaret Heron, daughter of Capt. James Heron, of the army. 



202 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

being a couple remarkable for personal grace and beauty. Dr. 
W. resigned his commission as surgeon in the army, and 
after a residence of three years in Franklin, removed to Erie. 

Dr. Wallace commanded an Erie County regiment at the 
commencement af the War of 1812, and was called into ser- 
vice with his regiment in the alarm that arose on the burning 
of Buffalo. Dr. Parsons, of the navy, was acting-surgeon of 
Col. Wallace's regiment for a short time. In attending upon 
the wounded after the batttle of Lake Erie, Dr. Wallace 
assisted Dr. Parsons at the hospital (courthouse) during the 
months of November, December, and January. 

Dr. Wallace was elected the first Burgess of Erie, in 1806, 
and also held the offices of Justice of the Peace, County Com- 
missioner and coroner. He was possessed of very considerable 
talents, being endowed by nature with unusual discernment, 
which he exercised as well on ordinary occasions as in his pro- 
fession. He died December 8, 1827, being but little past the 
meridian of life. The direct descendants in Erie are Maj. R. 
A. Pollock and Miss Elizabeth Pollock (1893). 

Rev. Robert Reid ^ was the son of James and Elizabeth 
Craig Reid. He was born at Reid's Hill, Hillsborough, near 
Belfast, Ireland, on November 5, A.D. 1781. Owing to the 
troublous state of the times in their native country, his father, 
James Reid, and the three sons, Robert, Isaac, and James, 
then their sole family, the mother having died young, emi- 
grated to this country in the fall of 1798, during the political 
troubles then raging ; in which, as most Protestants had done, 
he and his connections had taken sides with the government 
and Orangemen. This was not remarkable, as their ancestor, 
Capt. John Reid, had emigrated to that country from England 
under William of Orange, and was under him at the famous 
battle of the Boyne over a hundred years before, and after the 
final success of that struggle, remained in the country where 
most of his descendants are still. 

James Reid settled in Philadelphia, and died there in 1821, 
and was buried in the then Spring Garden Cemetery. James 
Reid, the son, removed to Boston, but died young in Philadel- 
phia, leaving an only daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Koch, 
1 Biography of Rev. Robert Reid, written by his son, James C. Reid, Esq. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 203 

the paleontologist, of St. Louis. Isaac Reid became a ship- 
owner and trader to the Guianas and South America. He 
died in Philadelphia in 1854, leaving an only son now living. 
Dr. I^eville Craig Reid, of Philadelphia ; while Robert, the 
oldest and subject of this sketch, deeply imbued with the 
idea of religious duty, determined to devote himself to the 
service of the Gospel of Christ. He entered, as a student, 
the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, in 1801, and 
graduated with honor in 1805, being appointed immediately 
thereafter tutor in the chair of mathematics, which post he 
continued to fill during the following year. 

Then entering the Theological Seminary of the Associate 
Reformed Presbyterian church, at that time located in the 
City of New York, he continued his clerical and professional 
studies under the presidency of the celebrated Dr. John 
Mason. Having engaged in the necessary preparations for the 
sacred calling with a zeal and perseverance characteristic 
of him through life, his studies were deep and thorough. 
Religion was in him not only practical piety, but a science as 
profound as the great Author of the universe, into the work- 
ings of whose mind we might by means of it obtain some 
faint glimpses ; while his study of the original languages of 
the sacred writings continued and prosecuted they became 
one of the main pursuits of his life — one hour of every secular 
day when in his study being ever after devoted to the critical 
study and examination of the Scriptures in the original, as 
" containing the only rule of faith and practice," and as being 
the emanations and teachings of the Divine Spirit. Having 
completed the usual course and trials, he was licensed in 1809 
under the authority of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and 
for the next two years the field of his labors was in Virginia, 
Maryland, and Pennsylvania ; principally in and west of the 
mountains, fulfilling Presbyterial appointments. 

During his licentiate, he traveled over much wild and then 
thinly settled country, and preached in many neighborhoods, 
sometimes a sermon for each day in the week. 

In the fall of 1811, in company with the Rev. Samuel Wier 
(afterward his brother-in-law), also a licentiate of the same 
Presbytery, under the authority of the Presbytery of Monon- 



204 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

gahela, he arrived at Erie, aud in 1S12 lie was regularly 
ordained and installed as pastor of the Associate Reformed 
Presbyterian church, then the only organized religious associa- 
tion in Erie.' 

Some years after, another congregation of the same church 
was organized in Waterford, and for many years thereafter he 
continued to preach. During the war of 1812-13, he often of- 
ficiated as chaplain to Perry's fleet here and to the army on 
shore, and in alarms, like most of our older citizens, was some- 
times on duty in the ranks. 

He was married on April 11, 1816, to Elizabeth, daughter of 
David Calhoun, Esq., of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, an 
elder of the Associate Reformed church, w^ho died j-oung. In 
1828, he was again united in marriage with Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Rev. Matthew Lind, an eminent clergyman of the 
Associate Reformed church, and long pastor of the famous 
Paxton church, near Harrisburg. 

In 1819 the Erie Academy was incorporated, and he was 
elected President of the Board of Trustees, the duties of which 
office he continued to perform for twenty-five years, to the 
close of his life. In him the cause of popular education from 
the earliest times here, and during all that iieriod, had a con- 
stant, efficient, and devoted friend ; and after the organization 
of the Erie Academy, until a competent principal could be 
procured, he occupied the position of the first principal of the 
institution." After a service of more than a third of a century 
in the ministry, he died on the 16th of May, 1844, in the sixty- 
third year of his age. 

1 " On Wednesday, October 21, 1812, Rev. Robert Reid was ordained pastor, 
the Rev. Messrs. David Kerr, Mungo Dick, and James McConnell were the 
members of the Presbytery who were present. On W^ednesday, April 21, 
1813, the Rev. Mr. Galloway, of Mercer, and Mr. Junkin, ruling elder, assist- 
ing, Archibald McSparren, Thomas Hughes, and David Robinson were 
ordained, and Alexander Robinson was installed, ruling elders, and James 
Dumars ordained deacon of the congregation." — Copied f mm the orir/inal 
records, pp. S3, S',, of the Associate Reformed Church of Erie, Pennsylvania. 

2 One of Rev. R. Reid's parishioiiers informed me that his custom was to 
visit every family of his congregation once in six weeks. This, with 
memorizing all sermons, in accordance with the practice of the denomina- 
tion, must have called for untiring industry. Two hundred and fifty 
dollars, and at the utmost never more than three hundred dollars, was the 
salary allowed for the support of the pastor and his family. Mr. Frank G. 
Carpenter, the traveler aud lecturer, of Washington City, is a grandson. 

L. G. s. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 205 

His published works are : 

1. A Funeral Sermon on the Death of Lieut. Brooks, United 
States Navy, pubhslied in 1813. 

2. A Sermon, "Tlie Reign of Trutli and Righteousness 
about to commence," in 1824. 

3. A Tract, "Observations on Dr. Watt's Preface to the 
Psalms of David," etc., in 1825. 

4. " The Seven Last Plagues, being Dissertations on the 
Prophecies of the Book of Daniel, and on the Book of Revela- 
tions." 1 Vol., in 1828. 

5. "Helps to Christian Devotion"; consisting of critical 
translations of, and dissertations on, the first twenty-three 
Psalms. 1 Vol., in 1833. 

6. Two "Tracts on Church Government," published in 1839 
and 1841. 

As a scholar, he was distinguished for a profound and crit- 
ical knowledge of the original languages of the sacred writings 
and their cognates, and as a mathematician. To the study 
of the exact sciences much of his leisure was appropriated, 
and his occasional contributions to the scientific periodicals of 
the day are still evidences of his extra-clerical lucubratioiis. 

Thomas Wilson was born near Sunbury, Northumberland 
County, Pennsylvania, in 1772. His father, John Wilson, who, 
was one of the earliest settlers of Northumberland County, 
died in 1774, and his sister Agnes soon after was married to 
Gen. David Mead, the pioneer to the waters of French Creek, 
and the first settler of the pleasant town which bears his 
name. In 1782 a band of Indians entered the residence of 
Mrs. Wilson, being led by a chief who had frequently been 
fed there, and after emptying the ticks and filling them with 
the most valuable household goods, departed with the mother 
and Margaret, a little daughter, prisoners. Seeing one of 
Thomas' garments on the grass, the chief angrily demanded 
him also, but fortunately he could not be found. Before 
evening they sent the mother back, but she feared to enter the 
house lest the Indians should return, and remained through 
the night in the stable. The child was redeemed three years 
after at Deti'oit, and afterward married a Mr. Barry, of 
Toronto. In 1802 Mr. Wilson was married at Waterford to 



206 HISTORY OF KRIE COUNTY. 

Miss Mary Naylor, who resided with lier brotlier, James 
Naylor, Esq., being stationed there as Issuing Commissary 
for many years. Mr. Wilson removed to Erie in 1805. He 
had, for many years, been in partnership with Mr. Oliver 
Ormsby, of Pittsburg, in contracts for supplying all the 
Western military posts from Niagara to New Orleans ; his last 
contract, which was at the time when Louisiana was ceded to 
United States, proved unfortunate, and involved him finan- 
cially beyond recovery. The year of his removal to Erie he 
built two vessels, one on Lake Erie, called the Mary, and the 
Fail- American on Lake Ontario, being the best on those 
lakes ; afterward he built the Lark at Erie. 

Mr. Wilson was a man of remarkable business talent and 
enterprise. His popularity in the county and among his 
acquaintances was only equaled by his large hearted benefi- 
cence. He held various offices of trust in Erie with credit, 
being successively Justice of the Peace, County Treasurer, 
County Commissioner, member of the Legislature, and 
member of Congress, and at the time of his death, in 1824, he 
held the office of Prothonotary. 

His eldest daughter, Jane L., who deceased in 1860, was an 
agreeable and interesting writer, and the author of several 
works published by religious societies. The titles of the prin- 
cipal ones are "Broken Cisterns," "Arthur Singleton," and 
"Ruth Elmer." 

P. S. V. Hamot was born in Paris, France, on November 
28, 1784. His father was a captain in the French army, and a 
royalist, and left France for Russia, where he resided during 
the "reign of terror." Returning to France after the estab- 
lishment of the " Republic," he offered to procure for his son 
a lieutenancy in the army ; but such a position not being in 
accordance with his tastes, and his attention having been 
turned to the new republic of the West, he preferred to come 
to America and to try his fortune in a new and strange land. 
His father consenting, he came to Philadelphia, with the 
French consul, in 1802, as '■'■Vhomme de confiance,^^ as ex- 
pressed in his passport. Tlie consul died soon after his arrival, 
leaving Mr. Hamot a friendless youth, and among a people 
in whose language he was little versed. His self-reliance, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 207 

peculiarly a trait of his character, did not allow him to 
despond. A mercantile situation offering, he started for the 
West, as the clerk of a French house, in charge of a stock of 
merchandise. The vessel on the route was wrecked on Lake 
Ontario, but, with the goods recovered, he opened a store at 
Niagara, Canada, and from thence removed to Lewiston, 
and in 1805 to Erie. In 1810 he formed a partnership with 
Messrs. E. & D. Alvord, of Salina, who dealt largely in salt. 
This business connection continued many years. He was 
also engaged in general mercantile business on his own 
account, and was one of the first and most successful merchants 
of the place. 

Mr, Hamot held responsible and honorable offices under the 
government ; being at one time Canal Commissioner, and at 
another Superintendent of Public Works at Erie. He was the 
first cashier of the Erie Bank and one of the principal stock- 
holders. As a business man, he was fortunate, and noted for 
his activity and energy in the prosecution of his plans, and 
for sound judgment. He engaged warmly in politics, his 
sympathies and feelings being with the Democratic party ; 
and his politeness and hearty hospitality won for him many 
attached friends. Mr. Hamot was twice married : to Adeline 
WoodruflT, of Lewiston, New York, in 1818, who died in 1821 ; 
and to Elizabeth Coltrin, "widow of Dr. Asa Coltrin, and 
daughter of George Keefer, of Thorold, Canada, in 1825. He 
died October 17, 1846. 

Capt. Daniel Dobbins was born near Lewistown, in 
Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, January 5, 1776. He came to 
Erie with Esquire Rees' party of surveyors in 1795, when all 
was a wilderness. In July, 1812, while lying with his vessel, 
the Scdina, at Mackinaw, he was taken prisoner by the 
British, it being his first intimation th^t war had been 
declared. Having landed the night before on the north side of 
the island, they took possession of the fort and the vessels in 
the harbor. R. S. Reed and William R^ed, of Erie, were on 
the Scdina as passengers, but were dismissed on parole. Capt. 
Dobbins was also allowed to return home. 

In Chapter XV. is found an account of Capt. Dobbins' 
services in forwarding the construction of the squadron in 



208' HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

1813 ; and that through his discernment and perseverance 
Erie became the naval station. 

While in tlie navy as sailing-master, he was also engaged in 
the merchant service. He had command of the Washington 
in 1816, which the same year conveyed troops to Green Bay, 
and was the first vessel which had entered that harbor, it 
being a difficult task to navigate it. On this first visit, Wash- 
ington Harbor was called for the vessel ; Boyer's Bluff, for 
Col. Boyer, who was aboard ; Chambers' Island, for Col. 
Chambers, aboard ; Green Island, for an officer of the name, 
aboard ; and the Captain's own name, Dobbins, was given to a 
small group of islands. 

In 1826 Capt. Dobbins was ordered to sea in the vessel fitted 
out to bring home the remains of Com. Perry, and resigned 
his commission. In 1827 he was engaged in constructing piers 
at Ashtabula. In 1829 Gen. Jackson appointed him to the 
command of the revenue cutter Hush, to which he was re- 
appointed by President Polk in 1845, and he left active service 
in the revenue department in 1849. 

Capt. Dobbins was possessed of sterling qualities, and being 
a close observer, recorded many interesting incidents con- 
nected with the navigation of the lakes and life on the frontier. 
He died at the age of eighty, February 29, 1856. 

Thomas Hale Sill.^ — Among the early residents of Erie, 
and belonging to that set of men who found it a frontier 
settlement in what was then the distant West, and of those 
who devoted their energies and talents to the building up of 
the place, the development of its resources, and the welfare of 
its inhabitants, the name of Thomas H. Sill may well be men- 
tioned. 

A daily familiarity with the city and harbor, their natural 
advantages and all the improvements which skill has devised 
and industry added, may indeed cause the present generation 
to forget the unremitting and varied exertions, extending 
through the past half century, by which those advantages, 
now regarded as a matter of course, were first developed and 
secured. 

Of the men who during this period thus actively exerted 
1 From the pen of his son, Hon. James Sill. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 209 

themselves, hardly a survivor remains ; and a history of Erie 
County would be incomplete were no mention made of them. 

Mr. Sill having in early life selected Erie as his home, and 
become identified with its people and interests, and having for 
nearly half a century participated in the vicissitudes, hopes, 
struggles, and triumphs always incident to a settlement 
through the various steps of its progress and development into 
a city, the very incidents or events of the life of such a 
citizen are inseparable from and part of its history. 

We give, therefore, from the Erie Gazette next succeeding 
Mr. Sill's decease, the following biographical notice : 

"This gentleman, who closed his earthly career at his resi- 
dence on Sixth Street last Thursday evening, was the senior 
member of the Erie County bar as well as one of the best 
known and most esteemed citizens of Northwestern Pennsyl- 
vania. He had so long and conspicuously figured in the 
affairs of this section of the State, and particularly of our city 
and countj^, that his name had become a household word — 
and seldom was that name mentioned without deep-seated 
respect. Aside fvora his qualifications as a lawyer, which were 
of the first order, he possessed traits of character calculated to 
inspire universal regard and admiration. His deportment was 
unassuming yet dignified, his disposition kind and accommo- 
dating, his general course of conduct based upon principles of 
acknowledged integrity. As a husband he was attentive and 
afTectionate ; as a father, kind and indulgent ; as a neighbor, 
generous and sympathizing ; as a citizen, active, honest, and 
true. In short, in all the relations of Jife, whether as a law- 
yer, legislator, friend, or neighbor, he exhibited a commend- 
able spirit of interest in the welfare alike of the county. State, 
and country, ever sustaining his endeavors to proniote and 
secure the same by a strong and well-cultivated intellect and 
ready and effective eloquence. 

" Mr. Sill was born at Windsor, Connecticut, on October 11,'' 
1783. His father, Capt. Richard L. Sill, served in the Revolu- 
tionary War, and occupied an honorable position in his day. 
Graduating at Brown University, in September, 1804, and his 
health failing him, he traveled in the Southern States and 
made a voyage to the West Indies — at intervals, as health 



210 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

permitted, studying law. Completing his law studies with 
the Hon. Jacob Burnett, of Cincinnati, in 1809, he commenced 
practice in Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio. His health 
again failed, and after going back to Connecticut and return- 
ing to the West as far as Pittsburg, he was induced to locate 
at Erie, then a naval station, where he arrived in July, 1813, 
and remained until his death. From 1816 to 1818 he held the 
office of Deputy United States Marshal. In 1816 he married 
Joanna B. Chase, daughter of Rev. Amos Chase, of Litch- 
field County, Connecticut. In 1819 he was appointed Deputy 
Attorney-General for Warren County, and was present at the 
opening of the first court — practicing from that time until a 
recent period in the several courts of Erie, Warren, and Craw- 
fox'd Counties. The confusion occasioned by the burning of 
the courthouse, with the records, in 1823, induced a general 
movement in favor of sending him to Harrisburg in the 
capacity of a representative. In compliance therewith he 
relinquished his practice, and rej^resented the district during 
the session of 1823-24. By dint of earnest effort he procured 
the passage of an act remedying the losses and inconveniences 
resulting from the destruction of the county records, con- 
nected with an appropriation from the State to assist in 
rebuilding the courthouse. He succeeded Hon. Patrick Far- 
relly in Congress in 1826, and was re-elected in 1828 — being 
at that period the only anti-Jackson member from Penn- 
sylvania. He declined a re-election at that time. He was 
appointed President of the United States Branch Bank in 
1837, and held the office to the close of the existence of that 
institution. At various times he was elected burgess of the 
then borough of Erie, and for nearly thirty years filled the 
office of trustee of the Erie Academy ; ever exhibiting a deep 
interest in the educational affairs of the city and county. He 
was elected in 1836 to the Convention to amend the Constitu- 
tion of Pennsylvania — a body composed of the ablest and best 
men in the State — men like Forward, Sergeant, Meredith, 
Chauncey, Chandler, and Reigert — and it is due to his memory 
to say that in this body he acquired and maintained a position 
of commanding influence. He was chosen Presidential 
Elector in 1848, and, in accordance with the expressed voice of 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 211 

the State, as well as his own preference, voted for Taylor and 
Fillmore. Feeble health having, in a great measure, incapaci- 
tated him for the laborious practice of his profession, he was 
appointed jiostmaster of Erie by President Taylor, on April 
16, 1849. President Fillmore reappointed him, and he con- 
tinued to serve until June, 1853. He died February 7, 1856, 
* full of years and full of honoi's.' 

"Mr. Sill was confessedly one of the ^rs^ members of his 
profession. He excelled particulai'ly as an advocate, never 
failing, by his clear logic, smooth diction, strong sympathies, 
and unvarying candor and courtesy, to produce a deep im- 
pression, and frequently carrying the jury with him against 
the instructions of the court and the apparent laiv of the case. 
In this respect he had few, if any, superiors, and was always 
considered a dangerous competitor in the prosecution of im- 
portant suits. Taking him all in all, he was a great and good 
man, enjoying the confidence and resj^ect of all classes of 
society, and dying without a known enemy." 

Giles Sanford was born in Norwich Farms, now Franklin, 
New London County, Connecticut, September 18, 1783, and 
with his father's family removed to Herkimer County, New 
York, in 1801. Mr. Sanford came to Erie to reside in 1810. 

The family can be traced back directly to John Sanford, 
President of Rhode Island in 1655. In 1637, having been 
disarmed for sympathizing with Wheelright in his famous 
opinions, in connection with Coddington, Hutchinson, and 
other well-known colonial men of wealth and eminence, 
Rhode Island was purchased. On the maternal side Giles 
Sanford was descended from Richard Edgerton, who, in 1655, 
was one of the thirty-eight original proprietors of Norwich, 
Connecticut. 

In 1814 Mr. Sanford formed a mercantile partnership with 
Mr. R. S. Reed, which continued until 1824. In 1823 the firm 
in his name was contractor for supplying the military posts of 
Fort Dearborn (Chicago), Mackinaw, St. Mary's, and Fort 
Howard (Green Bay). 

Mr. Sill and Mr. Sanford were delegates to the Canal Con- 
vention, Avhich met at Harrisburg (in 1824, we believe), and 
which convention gave the first impetus to internal imjjrove- 



212 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ments in the State. The Board of Trade and the Natural 
History Society he was the first to suggest. 

Mr. Sanford was ever a zealous and disinterested friend of 
public improvements, did much for the promotion of agricul- 
ture and horticulture in the county, and contributed liberally 
to benevolent and Christian enterjorises. In consequence of 
his business connections, habits of observation and general 
information, he has rendered valuable assistance in this work. 

John Galbraith was born in Huntingdon County, Penn- 
sylvania, August 2, 1794. His father was a soldier of the 
American Revolution, and took part in the battle of Long 
Island, where he was taken by the enemy, and being, with 
many others, imprisoned in New York, he there suffered hard- 
ships and privations, from the effects of which he never fully 
recovered. He resided in Huntingdon County after the war, 
when he removed with his family to Butler County, Pennsyl- 
vania, where he passed the remainder of his life. He gave to 
his children such opportunities for learning as were attainable 
in a new and thinly settled country. The subject of this 
sketch early exhibited a fondness for study, and although the 
facilities afforded to him were but meager and limited, he yet 
managed to acquire a liberal education. 

Like many others who have attained a prominent position, 
he at one time, and when yet quite a youth, taught a country 
school. He served an apprenticeshij) to the printing business 
in the same office in Butler where James Thompson, afterward 
Chief Justice, was employed. He married Miss Amy Ayres, 
daughter of Rev. Robert Ayres, an Episcopal clergyman, of 
Brownsville, Pennsylvania. He studied law in the office of 
Gen. William Ayres, of Butler, at that day one of the leading 
lawyers of Western Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the 
bar in the year 1819. He began the practice of his profession 
soon afterward at Franklin, Venango County. He soon took 
I a prominent place as a lawyer and acquired a large practice. 
In 1828 he %vas elected to the Pennsylvania Legislature, and 
was twice re-elected. In 1832 he was elected to Congress, from 
the district at that time composed of the Counties of Venango, 
Crawford, Warren, and Erie. He was re-elected to Congress 
in 1834, and again in 1838. On the expiration of his third con- 





^^t^-^^-T^^^l^-^^C^^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 213 

gressional term in 1840, he resumed the practice of the law at 
Erie, to which place he had removed in the year 1837. 

In 1851, the Constitution of the State having been so 
amended as to require the election of judges by the people, 
Mr. Galbraith was placed in nomination by the Democratic 
party as their candidate for President Judge of the Sixth 
Judicial District ; and, altliough his party was in a very de- 
cided minority in the district, he was elected by a large major- 
ity — a marked evidence of tlie great personal popularity he 
always enjoyed. He continued to discharge the duties of his 
new position until his death, which occurred from a stroke of 
paralysis, on June 15, 1860. 

Few men in the State had a wider circle of acquaintance 
than Judge Galbraith. Of remarkably gentle disposition and 
winning manners, he had a strong hold upon the popular 
heart. He was always the friend of the poor. 

As a lawyer, he was studious and learned, rather than bril- 
liant. He was never a fluent speaker, although very successful 
as an advocate. As a judge, he was distinguished for his 
thorough knowledge of the law ; but it was more particularly 
in tlie administration of criminal justice that he was noted 
for a humane and discriminating appreciation of his duties. 
Avoiding the heartless and indiscriminate severity, which 
appears by many to be regarded as indispensable in the treat- 
ment of offenders, he always sought to temper justice with 
mercy, and, if possible, to reform as well as to punish. 

It was as a judge of the criminal courts that his attention 
was drawn to the defects in our present penal system, and 
some of which he sought to remedy by his project of an Indus- 
trial Reform School. The charter for this institution was 
obtained by his efforts, and its list of managers numbered 
some of the most respected and honored names in the country. 



CHAPTEE XV. 

War declared — Com. Perry — Oapt. Dobbins'' Correspondence — Com. 
Chauncey and Mr. Henry Eckford — Mr. Brown — Difficulties in 
fltting out the fleet — Gen. Mead — Capt. Perry at Fort George — 
Five Vessels brought from Buffalo — Provincial Marine Corps — 
Difficulties in procuring Men — Letters to Com. Chauncey and the 
Secretary of the Navy — A Providence recognized in the War — 
Getting the Vessels over the Bar — Com. Barclay at Port Dover — 
Seven of the Vessels make a Cruise to Long Point — Officers and 
Men from Lake Ontario — August 12, Com. Perry sails for San- 
dusky — Interview with Gen. Harrison — Squadron proceeds to 
Maiden — Kentucky Militia — Sickness — Letters from the Secretary 
— Ohio dispatched to Erie — Strength of the British Force — The 
Ame7-ican Force — ATnericans again look in at Maiden — Corrected 
Instructions for the Battle. 

In June, 1812, during the administration of James Madison, 
war was declared by the United States against Great Britain. 
Tlie grounds given in the Message were " the impressment of 
American seamen by tlie British ; tlie blockading of the ports 
of their enemies ; the orders in council ; and a suspicion that 
the Indians had been instigated to acts of hostility by British 
agents." 

The bill for a declaration of war passed the House of Repre- 
sentatives by a vote of seventy-nine to forty-nine, and in the 
Senate by one of nineteen to thirteen. Tlie day after the bill 
passed the Senate it was signed by the President, and in five 
days, as it afterward proved, the British orders in council 
were repealed. 

The minority opposed the war on the ground of its being un- 
necessary and impolitic ; tliat the aggressions of the French 
had been greater than those of tlie English ; and they 
entered a solemn protest against the measure. These views 
had the sympathy of a considerable proportion of the people 
of the United States, and the war was consequently prose- 

214 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 215 

cuted with much less energy and success than it otherwise 
would have been. 

Although hostilities had been meditated a long time, the 
country was in an imperfect state of preparation, and by laud, 
the first year, the American arms were entirely unsuccessful. 
In the attempt of government to conquer Upper Canada, Gen. 
Hull and his army surrendered at Detroit, and Gen. Van 
Renssalaer met with defeat at Niagara, thus leaving the 
British in full possession of Lake Erie. Having five armed 
vessels, they captured the Adams, a brig of 150 tons, and the 
only armed vessel of the Americans,^ and at any time could 
strike a fatal blow upon the South Shore settlements. 

These disastrous expeditions urged the necessity of a naval 
force upon the lake to cooperate with Gen. Harrison, who had 
command of the Northwestern army. 

The construction of this force was commenced in the autumn 
of 1812, at Erie, and gained the following year a most brilliant 
victory. Com. Oliver Hazard Perry, to whose judgment and 
bravery^ it was mainly to be attributed, with the blessings in- 
volved, was a native of Rhode Island, and entered the navy as 
a midshipman at the age of fourteen — this was on board the 
General Greene, a frigate of twenty-eight guns, in 1799, his 
father being in command. His ancestors were of the first 
respectability, and the following anecdotes of his childhood 
indicate that his mother was a woman of rare sense and excel- 
lence. On the removal of the family to Newport, "Oliver 
was placed at the school of Mr. Frazier, under whose skillful 
and judicious tuition he made rapid proficiency in all his 
studies. The relaxed discipline of the country schools, where, 
the numbers being small, everything was conducted some- 
what upon the principle of brotherly love, furnished but an 
imperfect preparation for the sterner rule which the Highland 
gentleman found it necessary to exercise among his more 
numerous and heterogeneous disciples at Newport. The early 
days of Oliver's admission into ]Mr. Frazier's school were sig- 
nalized by a very untoward occurrence — no less a one than his 

1 Some years ago, in a letter to a gentleman in Erie, J. Fenimore 
Cooper claimed the honor of wearing tlie first navy button on Lake P'rie, 
being a midsliipnian on the brig Adams, wliich was not generally com- 
manded by navy officers. 



216 HISTOEY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

receiving a broken head, one day, for some trifling, and per- 
haps unconscious, misdemeanor, from a heavy ferule hurled 
by Mr. Frazier, in an ungovernable fit of passion, such as he 
was often subject to. Seizing his hat, without leave asked or 
granted, Oliver went immediately home, and told his mother 
he could never enter that school again. Mrs. Perry was a 
woman of strong feelings, eminently courageous temperament, 
and commanding character. She was necessarily indignant at 
the treatment of her child ; but she was not much edified by 
Oliver's determinations as to what he w^ould or would not do, 
nor disposed to yield to them. She did not reply to his de- 
cision not to return to Mr. Frazier' s school, but quietly bound 
up his wounded head, and soothed him with expressions of 
maternal solicitude. Had she consulted only her resentment, 
it would have led her, at every hazard, to withdraw her child 
from the authority of one who had abused it. She wisely re- 
flected, however, that Oliver being an unusually high-spirited 
boy, and his father generally absent, as he happened to be at 
that time, if she yielded to his wishes in this instance, he 
might expect the same indulgence whenever he felt discon- 
tented with a school from motives less well founded. This 
would not only be a disadvantage to him with regard to his 
studies, but might tend to weaken her control over him. She 
then wrote a note to Mr. Frazier, stating in subdued terms her 
indignant feelings at the outrage upon her child, coupled with 
the motives which restrained her from withdrawing him 
from the school, and concluding by the expression of a hope 
that she would not have cause to regret the mark of rencM^ed 
confidence which she thus gave to Mr. Frazier by again in- 
trusting her son to him. On the following morning, as the 
usual hour came around, she called to Oliver as if she had 
heard nothing of his declaration of the previous day, and told 
him it was school-time ; at the same time she placed the note 
for Mr. Frazier in his hand, and told him she did not think 
he Avould receive similar treatment again. The proud boy's 
lip quivered, and a tear stood in his eye, but the thought of 
disobeying his mother had never entered his head, nor did it 
probably ever do so until the day of his death. She lived to 
rear five sons, all of whom entered the naval service of their 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 217 

country, and whom she fitted to command others by teaching 
them thus early to obey. Mr. Frazier was conscious of his 
own culpable violence, and alive to the good sense and magna- 
nimity of Mrs. Perry's conduct. He devoted himself unre- 
mittingly to Oliver's improvement, and became warmly 
attached to him, and won his attachment in return — for 
Oliver, though high tempered, was a stranger to vindictive- 
ness and cherished resentment. Newport was then an emi- 
nently commercial port. As many of the young men M'ere 
intended for sea, Mr. Frazier had an evening class for the 
purpose of teaching mathematics, and their application to 
navigation and nautical astronomy. He took a peculiar 
pleasure in initiating Oliver into these sciences, and i,n the 
intervals between school hours, and on holidays, would fre- 
quently walk to the beach with him, where a horizon could be 
obtained, to take astrononaical obsers^ations, and otherwise 
render his lessons more practical. Before Oliver left Mr. 
Frazier's school, the latter was wont to boast that he was the 
best navigator in Rhode Island." 

Another interesting circumstance of Perry's youth is related 
by McKenzie. "When Oliver was but eleven years old. 
Bishop Seabury came to Newport, in the course of an episco- 
pal visitation of the Eastern States, for the purpose of ordain- 
ing clergymen and confirming the young. Oliver's parents 
scarcely considered him old enough to receive and appreciate 
that solemn rite ; but the Bishop having been greatly pleased 
by his appearance and manners, and by the maturity and 
seriousness which his conversation indicated, requested that 
he might come forward for confirmation. Afterward, when 
the Bishop came to take leave of Oliver's parents, he laid his 
hand upon the boy's head and blessed him in a manner so 
solemn and emphatic as to make an indelible impression upon 
all who were present. His mother was greatly touched by the 
incident, and received the impression that the blessing had 
been heard and answered, and would follow him through life. 
Toward the close of the year 1797, Capt. Perry, having secured 
a small competency, retired from his profession and settled in 
the village of Westerly, in a remote part of the State. Oliver 
was now entering his thirteenth year, his education unusually 



218 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

advanced for his age — for he had been a dihgent student at 
Mr. Frazier's during the last five years — and an unbounded 
fondness for books, kept up from the early period when his 
mother had first taught him to read, had imparted to him an 
unusual share of general information. Fortunately for the 
youth of those times, novels were not so abundant nor so 
universally diffused as now, and the reading of Oliver w^as 
confined to Plutarch, Shakspeare, the Spectator, and works of 
a similar character, suited to instruct and furnish the mind 
and give force to his character." In after-life he was an 
earnest student, particularly of mathematics and astronomy. 
During his leisure hours his modesty and amiability, with his 
fine personal appearance and conversational talents, made 
him a favorite in intelligent and refined society. Though of a 
quick and excitable temperament, he was not disposed to be 
unreasonable or implacable. He was an elegant and fearless 
rider, possessed a fine musical talent, and added to these the 
more questionable accomplishment of playing an admirable 
game of billiards, but without the taste for gambling too often 
accompanying it. 

At the age of twenty-two he was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Chamjilin Mason, of Newport, a lady of extraordinary gifts 
ana loveliness ; and it was said by one who knew Capt. Perry 
intimately, " that he was through life a model of every do- 
mestic virtue and grace." 

Com. Rodgers had been his able instructor in seamanship ; 
and previous to his command on Lake Erie, although then 
but twenty-seven years of age, he had been in charge of a 
flotilla of gunboats at Newport. Having the rank of com- 
mander, in November, 1812, he tendered his services for the 
lakes, as he had before applied for a post where he might serve 
his country and distinguish himself. On February 1, 1813, he 
received a letter from Com. Chauncey, who had the command 
of Lakes Erie and Ontario, stating that he had applied to the 
Secretary of the Navy to have him ordered to the lakes ; and 
added, "you are the very person that I want for a particular 
service, in which you may gain reputation for yourself and 
honor for your country." A few days after, he also had the 
pleasure of hearing from his friend. Com. Rodgers, in "Wash- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 219 

ington, that the new Secretary, Mr. Jones, had decided to 
order him to Lake Erie ; and "you will, doubtless," he adds, 
"command in chief; the situation, I think, will suit you ex- 
actly ; you may expect some warm fighting, and, of course, a 
portion of honor." 

On February 17, he received orders to proceed to Sackett's 
Harbor with all the best men in the flotilla under his 
command, where he would be further instructed by Com. 
Chauncey with regard to his duties on Lake Erie. The same 
day Capt. Perry sent off a detachment of one hundred and fifty 
men and officers under the command of Sailing-master Almy ; 
on the 19th, fifty men under Sailing-master Champlin ; and 
fifty men on the 21st, under Sailing-master Taylor. His 
object in thus dividing the men was that they might the 
better procure conveyances and accommodations on the road. 
On the morning of February 22, he set forward on his mission, 
visiting his parents by the way, and taking with him his 
brother Alexander, a midshipman, then but twelve years of 
age. He arrived at Sackett's Harbor the evening of March 3, 
having waited three days at Albany for Com. Chauncey. As 
an attack was expected at Sackett's Harbor on the squadron 
and vessels on the stocks, the Commodore detained him there 
until ]March 16. On his journey to Erie (where he arrived on 
the 24th), he remained one day in Buffalo, examining the 
navy yard at Black Rock, then under command of Lieut. 
Pettigru. He then made some arrangements to have stores 
forwarded to Erie, and on the 26th set out himself in a sleigh 
upon the ice. At Cattaraugus, where he spent the night, the 
innkeeper informed him that he had recently been on the 
Canada side, and there had been questioned as to the vessels 
building at Erie, and the force stationed there, and his opinion 
was that the British intended to make an attack when the 
ice should break up. On the evening of the 27th, Capt. Perry 
arrived at Erie, and immediately acquainted himself with the 
state of affairs and the progress of the work. Here six 
months before, Gen. David Mead, who commanded the 
militia, had appointed Mr. Daniel Dobbins bearer of dispatches 
to Washington. Mr. Dobbins, with his vessel, had been 
taken by the British at Hull's surrender, and his experience 



220 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

on the lakes gave him an acquaintance with its harbors, com- 
merce, and inhabitants. He received from the Navy Depart- 
ment tlie appointment of sailing-master, and was ordered to 
repair immediately to Erie and commence building the fleet, 
with instructions to draw upon the Department for funds to 
meet the expense, and to report to Com. Chauncey at Black 
Rock or Sackett's Harbor for further instructions. Accord- 
ingly, on his return he addressed the commanding officer, and 
in reply received the following : 
,, gjjj ._ " Buffalo, Oct. 2, 1812. 

"Your letter of the thirteenth ultimo, directed to Com. 
Chauncey or the commanding officer on Lake Erie, I have 
received, together with its inclosed, a copy of your instructions 
from the Honorable the Secretary of the Navy, each of which, 
together with a copy of this letter, I have inclosed to him for 
his consideration. It appears to me utterly impossible to 
build gunboats at Presqu'ile ; there is not a sufficient depth of 
water on the bar to get them into the lake. Should there be 
water, the place is at all times open to the attacks of the 
enemy, and in all probability when ready for action will ulti- 
mately fall into the hands of the enemy, which would be a 
great annoyance to our force building and repairing at that 
place. From a slight acquaintance I have with our side of the 
lake, and with what information I have obtained from per- 
sons who have long navigated the lake, I am under an im- 
pression that Lake Erie has not a single harbor calculated to 
flt out a naval expedition, and the only one convenient I am 
at present at, which is between Squaw Island and the main, 
immediately in the mouth of Niagara River. I have no 
further communication to make on the subject. Probably in 
a few days I shall be in possession of Commodore Chauncey's 
impressions, when you shall again hear from me. 
" With esteem, vours respectfully, 

"J.D.Elliot. 
"il//-. Daniel Dobbins." 

Capt. Dobbins replied as follows : 

"Dear Sir:- "Erie, Oct. 11, 1812. 

"Yours of the second instant is received. In regard to the 





^=^;^Z^^^::^^^.^i^^'^^^W^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 221 

idea entertained by you that this place is not a suitable one to 
build gunboats at, allow me to differ with you. There is a 
sufficiency of water on the bar to let them into the lake, but 
not a sufficiency to let any heavy armed vessel of the enemy 
into the bay to destroy them. The bay is large and spacious, 
and completely land-locked, except at the entrance. I have 
made my arrangements in accordance wuth my own con- 
victions, for the purpose of procuring the timber and other 
materials for their construction. I believe I have as perfect a 
knowledge of this lake as any other man on it, and I believe 
you would agree with me, were you here, that this is the place 
for a naval station. 

" I remain, very respectfully, etc., 

" Daniel Dobbins, 

" Sailing-master U. S. N. 
"2b Lieut. J. D. Elliot^ U. S. N., Black Hock." 

The letter of Lieut. Elliot was the only information Mr. 
Dobbins could get from that quarter ; not being satisfied with 
this, he hastened to Black Rock, where he found Lieut. Angus 
in command, and as he had not heard from Com. Chauncey, 
or from any other quarter, of the building of gunboats at 
Erie, he expressed himself at a loss what course to pursue. 
Capt. Dobbins, however, employed Ebenezer Crosby as master 
carpenter, which Lieut. Angus sanctioned, and returned to 
Erie determined to urge forward the work with such house- 
carpenters as he could procure.' 

1 Extract of a letter from Capt. Dobbins to the Secretary of the Navj': 
..gjjj._ " Erie, Pa., Dec. 12, 1812. 

" I have expected workmen, or orders to employ them, but have received 
none, owing, in all probabilitj-, to the Commodore [Chauncey] not coming 
on [to Black Rock] as was expected. I have, however, gone on with the 
work, and at this time have two of the boats on the stocks, and will engage 
to have them all ready by the time the ice is out of the lake if required. 

" Their dimensions are 50 feet keel, 17 feet beam, and 5 feet hold, and I 
think will be fast sailers. If it is desired that I should proceed with the 
work, please authorize me to draw upon the Department, as I have already 
expended a considerable sum over the S2,000 already drawn, the vouchers 
of which expenditure I will forward by the next mail. I have found a mer- 
chaht [R. S. Reed] in this place who will advance money on drafts. 1 have 
negotiated those already received with him, and have continued to draw, 
as I feel satisfied the Department do not wish the work to siop. It appears 
the Commodore [Chauncey] has been so engaged on the lower lake as to 
have taken all his attention ; but the ice will soon lock him, as it has the 
harbor at this place, which forms a complete barrier against the enemy this 
winter. I have not been able to make contracts for the construction, in ac- 



222 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Early in January Com. Chauncey and Mr. Henry Eckford, 
his principal carpenter, came on and inspected and approved 
tlie work, and gave instructions to get out timber for two sloops 
of war. Mr. Noah Brown, a master shipwright from New 
York, came on early in March with twenty-flve carpenters. 

In a letter from Mr. Dobbins to the Secretary of the Navy, 
dated March 14, we find the following: "The keels of the 
two brigs are ready to lay ; the gunboats are ready for caulk- 
ing. Although everything looks encouraging, yet I have my 
fears of the secret incendiary as well as the prowling spy of 
the enemy, and that in a inoment our labor may be destroyed. 
I find I cannot raise any volunteers to guard the vessels, but 
have made arrangements with the carpenters in the yard to 
stand guard until I hear from you. Mr. Brown joins me in 
my opinion in regard to the danger, and the course I intend 
to pursue to secure a guard for the vessels." This guard, with 
a well-armed volunteer company of sixty citizens, commanded 
by Col. Thomas Forster, constituted for some time the only 
protection of the town and vessels. 

Capt. Perry immediately on his arrival dispatched Mr. 
Dobbins to Buffalo for seamen and muskets, and, if possible, 
two 12-pounders. After a most perilous and fatiguing expe- 
dition, Mr. Dobbins returned with one 12-pounder (having 
left Buflalo with three), four chests of arms, ammunition, etc. 
The difficulty of creating a squadron where most of the sup- 
plies must come from the seashore — the cordage, cannon, pow- 
der and balls — at an inclement season, through a half-settled 
country, with miserable roads, can scarcely be conceived. 

cordance with the wish of the Department, as the people in this country 
are poor and would fail to comply. I have made individual contracts 
with each workman. The iron I procure at Pittsburg, which comes high, 
as the roads are bad and transportation expensive. 
" Please send me instructions at your earliest convenience. 
" I have the honor to be, very respectfully, etc., 

" Daniel Dobbins, 
''Hon. Paul Hamilton, Secretary of the Navy." " failing-master U. S. N. 

It still being urged at the Department that Black Rock was a more suit- 
able place for a naval station than Erie, Capt. Dobbins addressed a letter 
to the Secretary on the subject, dated December 19, 181li, from which the 
following is an extract: " In regard to the vessels cut down and lying in 
an unfinished otate at Black Rock, there can be but little confidence placed 
in their safety. The yard is within reach of the batteries of the enemy, 
and if finished the vessels would be cut to pieces with their shot in passing 
up the rapids into the lake." 



1 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 223 

On the evening of the 30th of March, Sailing-master W. V. 
Taylor, arrived from Sackett's Harbor with twenty officers and 
men, and the next day Capt. Perry left for Pittsburg to pro- 
cure necessary stores, and to hasten, if possible, the coming of 
the expected carpenters. He arrived there on the 4th of 
April, and made arrangements to procure from Philadelphia 
canvas for the sails of the squadron, and also passed two days 
in visiting the different shops of the mechanics employed in 
working for his vessels. Many of the articles they had never 
before manufactured, and in such cases minute directions were 
required. Capt. A. K. Woolley rendered him great assistance 
in supplying necessary stores by loaning him four small guns 
and some muskets, and in superintending the casting of the 
shot. The carpenters, he found, had passed on to Erie, but 
their tools were yet to come, and the blockmakers were equally 
unfortunate. Having impressed upon the manufacturers the 
necessity of all being completed by the first of May, he de- 
parted on the 7th of April, and reached Erie on the lOth. In 
his absence he found the work had progressed rapidly. 

At Capt. Perry's earnest request, Gen. Mead had stationed 
five hundred militia at Erie, so that a defense could be set up 
in case the British attempted the destruction of the vessels. 
Two of the gunboats, the Porcupine and Tigress, were 
launched the 15th of April, and were soon equipped for ser- 
vice. The Scorpion had been lengthened twelve feet by Mr. 
Eckford's order, and was not launched until the first of May. 
All were built at the mouth of Lee's Run, near the foot of 
Sassafras Street — afterward known as the "Navy Yard" — 
the government having rented the ground for a term of 
years and erected there a storehouse, hospital, and other 
buildings. The two brigs that were laid down shortly before 
Com. Perry's arrival were launched about the 24th of May. 
The Lawrence and Niagara were built and rigged precisely 
alike.^ Their frames were of white and black oak, and the 
decks of pine. They were each 110 feet in length, and 260 
tons burden ; were pierced for 20 guns, and carried 132 officers 
and men. These, with the pilot boat schooner Ariel, were 

1 The Lmvrence was the better sailer. Com. Sinclair, a year or two alter 
the battle, suggested alterations in the Niagara which mucli improved it. 



224 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

built at the Cascade, about one mile west of the town, where 
there was a good depth of water. 

On the 23d of May, Capt. Perry suddenly took his departure 
for Lake Ontario, and was absent until the 17th of June. 
Capt. Perry was promised the command of the seamen and 
marines that might land when an attack was made on Fort 
George, and accordingly when he heard that Com. Chauncey 
expected to be at Niagara in a day or two, and the attack be 
made, joined him immediately. Capt. Perry left Erie in a 
four-oared boat at evening, and after a journey full of discom- 
forts and perils, rendered valuable service by suj^erintending 
the embarkation of the troops. Com. Chauncey, in his official 
report, mentioned that "Cajot. Perry was present at every 
point where he could be useful, under showers of musketry, 
but fortunately escaped unhurt." The capture of Fort George 
led to the evacuation by the British of the Avhole Niagara 
fi'ontier, and Capt. Perry was enabled to return with five 
small vessels of the government which had been detained in 
Seajaguady Creek, back of Squaw Island, by the enemy's bat- 
teries on the Canada shore. One of the vessels, the Caledonia, 
3 guns, 85 tons, Lieut. Elliot had surprised and taken from the 
enemy ; the Somers, 2 guns, 65 tons, formerly the Catharine ; 
the Trippe, 1 gun, 63 tons, formerly the Contractor ; the Ohio, 
1 gun, 62 tons ; and the Amelia, formerly the Oen, Wilkinson, 
built at Detroit, 1802, 1 gun, 72 tons, had been purchased and fit- 
ted for service by Mr. Eckford.^ On the 28th of May commenced 
the laborious work of towing the five vessels against the cur- 
rent of the Niagara, which varied in strength from five to seven 
knots. To aid Capt. Perry in the work, two hundred soldiers, 
under command of Capts. Brevoort and Young, were detailed 
by Gen. Dearborn ; he had also a party of officers and fifty sea- 
men, that remained with him until after the battle. At Black 
Rock navy stores were taken aboard ; and after two weeks of 
incredible fatigue the vessels passed the rapids. On the eve- 
ning of the 14th they set sail from Buflfalo, and reached Erie 
on the evening of the 18th without having been molested, 
though the enemy had a force in the vicinity six times that of 

iThe Amelia was condemned, on examination, immediately after the 
vessels reached Erie, and sunk in the harbor. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 225 

the Americans. The British ship Queen Charlotte and scliooner 
Lady Prevost lay at Long Point when tlie vessels passed up. 
When hovering afterward around Sturgeon Point, tliey dis- 
covered a boat passing up tlie lake, which had left Buffalo 
Creek the preceding evening loaded with valuable property. 
The vessels immediately gave chase and fired several guns, 
but the Yankee skipper was too wide awake for them, and ran 
into Cattaraugus Creek and escaped. It is certain Capt. Perry 
manifested as much his skill and address here, as his indefati- 
gable perseverance in stemming the rapids. 

Previous to the war the English had upon the lakes what 
was termed a Provincial Marine ; the vessels had a slight arm- 
ament, and were used to transport troops, Indian goods, and 
sometimes the property of individuals. This squadron was 
now commanded by Capt. Finnis, of the Royal Navy, and 
consisted of the ship Queen Charlotte, 17 guns, between 200 
and 300 tons ; the schooner Lady Prevost, 13 guns, 96 tons ; 
the brig Hunter, 10 guns, 73 tons ; schooner Littlz Belt, 3 guns ; 
and Chtppeway, 1 gun. Several of these vessels, and those of 
the Americans, were in sight from the same point on the bank 
of the lake, and just as the last vessel entered the harbor the 
enemy appeared in the distance. They must have greatly 
underrated the spirit as well as the strength of their adversary, 
and supposed they could be crushed without difficulty at any 
moment. 

A letter awaited Capt. Perry on his arrival at Erie, from the 
Secretary of the Navy, highly complimenting his conduct at 
Fort George, as well as his exertions at Erie. In reply to this, 
Capt. Perry expressed diffidence as to his own capabilities, 
and says, " that no exertion should be wanting on his part to 
promote the honor of the service." He informed the Secre- 
tary " that one of the brigs was completely rigged and had her 
battery mounted, the other would be equally far advanced in 
a week ; the sails of both vessels were nearly completed, and 
on the arrival of the shot and anchors from Pittsburg, which 
were confidently expected soon, all the vessels would be ready 
for service in one day after the reception of the crews." 
Lieut. Brooks, of the marines, was engaged in recruiting, and 
had succeeded in enlisting thh'ty men at Erie and Pittsburg. 



226 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

In place of an increase of forces which Capt. Perry so much 
needed, Gen. Dearborn, in consequence of an order from the 
Secretary of War, recalled the two hundred soldiers which 
had been loaned from Fort George to assist in bringing up the 
vessels. Capt. Brevoort, if it were agreeable to himself and 
Cajit. Perry, he consented might be retained, and, as he had 
navigated the lakes, he would be jiarticularly useful. 

But five days after this reduction of Perry's forces, instruc- 
tions came from the Secretary of the Navy to cooperate with 
Gen. Harrison in the Northwest for the recovery of Michigan, 
This presupposed that the sqviadron was provided with officers 
and men, and ready for action, when, in reality, Com. 
Chauncey had retained the crews at Sackett's Harbor. The 
plan of the Commodore appeared to be to overpower the 
enemy on Lake Ontario, and then repeat the action in person 
on Lake Erie. He seemed to forget the disadvantage of keep- 
ing officers and men strangers to one another and their vessel, 
until they were to encounter the enemy, and that but a 
handful of men, and these reduced by sickness, were ex- 
pected to equip the vessels. Capt. Perry immediately wrote to 
Com, Chauncey, expressing a very great desire to have the 
officers and men that were to join him, especially a com- 
mander for the second brig. He had but seldom the satisfac- 
tion of a direct reply from the Commodore, but it was 
rumored that three hundred and fifty men would soon be on 
the way, and accordingly two boats were dispatched to 
Buffalo on July 18, in addition to the two that had conveyed 
the Fort George men to their destination. The sailing-master 
that had charge of the boats was directed to proceed with the 
greatest caution on account of the enemy's squadron, which 
was daily in sight of Erie, and nearly blockaded the port. 
On their return they were advised to keep close in shore, and 
call at Chautauqua and Twenty Mile Creek for instructions. 

On July 19, Capt. Perry informed Gen, Harrison that he 
had but one hundred and fifty men fit for service, with fifty 
others on the sick list. On the same day he received a second 
order from the Secretary of the Navy, to cooperate with Harri- 
son, under the belief that the squadron was manned, and also a 
letter from Gen. Harrison, stating that the enemy would soon 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 227 

launch their new ship, the Detroit^ and that they had just 
received a reinforcement of experienced officers and prime 
seamen. Perry could only reply to the Secretary "that the 
enemy were then off the harbor, and the moment he had a 
sufficient number of men he would be able to sail, and trusted 
that the issue of the contest would be favorable." He then 
wrote to Com. Chauncey as follows : 

*' Dear Sir :— 

"The enemy's fleet of six sail are now off the bar of the 
harbor. What a golden opportunity if we had men ! Their 
object is no doubt either to blockade or attack us, or to carry 
provisions and reinforcements to Maiden. Should it be to 
attack us, we are ready to meet them. I am constantly look- 
ing to the eastward ; every mail and every traveler from that 
quarter is looked to as the harbinger of the glad tidings of our 
men being on their way. I am fully aware how much your 
time m.ust be occupied with the important concerns of the 
lake. Give me men, eir, and I will acquire both for you and 
myself honor and glory on this lake, or perish in the attempt. 
Conceive my feelings ; an enemy within, striking distance, my 
vessels ready, and not men enough to man them. Going out 
with those I now have is out of the question. You would not 
suffer it were you here. I again ask you to think of my 
situation ; the enemy in sight, the vessels under my command 
more than sufficient, and ready to make sail, and yet obliged 
to bite my fingers with vexation for want of men. I know, 
my dear sir, full well you will send me the crews for the 
vessels as soon as possible ; yet a day appears an age. I 
hope that the wind or some other cause will delay the 
enemy's return to Maiden until my men arrive, and I tvill 
have them.'''' 

A day or two after this, the enemy were becalmed off Erie, 
and Capt. Perry pulled out to the bar with three gunboats to 
annoy them. A few shots were exchanged, and one of them 
struck the mizzen-mast of the Queen Charlotte.^ when a breeze 
springing up, they stood off. 

On the 23d, Capt. Perry received another communication 
from the Secretary, urging the importance of immediately 



228 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

destroying the enemy's squadron. Again he replied, " tliat he 
was fully aware of the importance of the object — that his 
shij)s were ready but without crews." Had the men been 
sent directly from Philadelphia, in place of having to undergo 
what was familiarly called the " Sackett's Harbor examina- 
tion," the object would have been better and more speedily 
effected. However, the same day that he replied to the Secre- 
tary, seventy men and officers arrived from Lake Ontario, and 
Perry wrote Com. Chauncey acknowledging the receipt of his 
letter and the seventy men, and earnestly requesting a full 
supply of officers and men for his vessels. 

About this time a concentration of the enemy's troops took 
place at Long Point, directly opposite Erie, at the distance of 
forty miles, and fears were entertained lest an attack should 
be made upon Erie and the squadron destroyed before the 
arrival of the crews. Great consternation prevailed among 
the inhabitants of the village, many of them removing their 
families and goods back from the lake. Maj.-Gen. Mead was 
called upon for a reinforcement of the militia, who made a show 
of defense by parading on the high bank when the enemy were 
in sight. The officers were all kept aboard, and boats rowed 
guard throughout the night. Capt. Perry apprised the Secre- 
tary of the Navy and Com. Chauncey of the fact, and also 
that he had no apprehension for the fleet even though the 
enemy should get possession of the town, which he did not 
expect. It proved afterward that an attack had been planned, 
but failed for the want of troops at the iiroper time. 

On July 27, Capt. Perry received a letter by express from 
Gen. Holmes, by order of Gen. Harrison, stating that the 
enemy had invested Fort Meigs a second time with a heavy 
force, and that the presence of the enemy's squadron off Erie 
Avas unfortunate, unless Capt. Perry could either elude or 
fight them. He urged in strong terms, for Gen. Harrison, 
that Capt. Pewy's great object should be to cooperate with the 
army by sailing up Lake Erie, and concluded his letter with 
"assurances of the perfect conviction of the General, that on 
his part no exertion would be omitted to give the crisis an 
issue of profit and gloiy to the arms of our country." Capt. 
Perry immediately inclosed the letter of Gen. Holmes tb Com. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 229 

Chauncey with the following, indicating his distress of mind 
in being so unnecessarily hampered : 

"Sir:— 

" I have this moment received by express the inclosed letter 
from Gen. Harrison. If I had officers and men, and I have 
no doubt you will send them, I could fight the enemy and 
proceed up the lake. But having no one to command the 
Niagara, and only one commissioned lieutenant and two act- 
ing lieutenants, whatever my wishes may be, going out is out 
of the question. The men that came by Mr. Champlin are a 
motley set, blacks — soldiers, and boys. I cannot think you 
saw them after they were selected. I am, however, pleased to 
see anything in the shape of a man." 

On July 30 he received from Lake Ontario an additional 
reinforcement of sixty officers and men, and soon after opened 
a rendezvous for landsmen, to serve four months or until after 
a decisive battle, at ten dollars a month. He had now thi-ee 
hundred officers and men to man two twenty-gun brigs (each 
brig carried one hundred and thirty-two men) and eight 
smaller vessels, and an aggregate of fifty-five guns. The men 
were in general of an inferior description, and more than one 
fifth incapacitated for duty by disease incident to a change of 
climate. The able-bodied had been incessantly engaged in 
duties not relevant to their essential ones in a naval engage- 
ment, as gunners, boarders, pikemen, sail trimmers, etc. 

The disposition throughout the country to recognize a 
Providence in the war deserves attention. Dr. Parsons says : 
" On Sunday, July 18, two respectable missionaries, who were 
passing through Erie, were invited by the Commodore on 
board one of the large ships, where as many officers and men 
as could be spared from all the vessels were assembled to hear 
prayers that were offered up for the success of the expedition. 
I shall never forget their fervent pleadings in our behalf, that 
we might subdue the hostile fleet, and thereby wrest from 
savage hands the tomahawk and scalping knife, that had 
been so cruelly wielded against the defeii ^eless settlers on the 
frontiers, and that in the event of a victo.-y, mercy and kind- 
ness might be shown to the vanquished." 



230 ' HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Several of the States appointed days of " thanksgiving, 
fasting, and praj^ers, that He in whose hands are the mighty, 
would in the hour of battle betlieir strength and deliverance." 

A resolution is recorded in the Pamphlet Laws of 1812, re- 
questing the President of the United States to recommend a 
day of public humiliation. It reads as follows : 

"It being a duty peculiarly incumbent in a time of public 
calamity and war, humbly and devoutly to acknowledge our 
dependence in Almighty God, and to implore his aid and pro- 
tection ; therefore, 

" Besolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, that a 
joint committee of both houses wait on the President of the 
United States, and request that he recommend a day of public 
humiliation and prayer, to be observed by the people of the 
United States with religious solemnity, and the offering of 
fervent supplication to Almighty God for the safety and wel- 
fare of these States, his blessings upon their arms, and the 
speedy restoration of peace. 

" H. Clay, Speaker of the H. R. 
" Wm. H. Crawford, President of the Senate^ pro. tem.^^ 

The bay of Presqu'ile, as before mentioned, bad a bar of 
light sand at its entrance, where the water (on an average 
eighteen feet in depth) varied from six to ten feet, and some- 
times in a gale of wind was as low as five feet. Maj. James 
G. Totten, who surveyed the harbor in 1824, says : "In con- 
tinuation of Presqu'ile, there is a sandbank under water, 
nearly a mile wide, which runs in a southeast direction to the 
shore of the main, a little eastward of the town of Erie, 
reducing the depth of the water in this part (the mouth of the 
basin) to about six feet on the average. A narrow and wind- 
ing channel runs through this bank, in which there is from 
five to nine feet water." On Sunday, August 1, the large 
vessels arrived at the bar, and were visited by Gen. Mead and 
staff in full dress, about noon, and received a national salute, 
fired b3' Lieut. Holdup, in an excellent style. The firing drew 
people in from the country in great numbers, who lined the 
shore of the lake, filled with astonishment, as they had never 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 231 

before seen a square-rigged vessel. In the evening all hands 
engaged in the work of lightening the vessels preparatory to 
crossing the bar. The draught of the brigs required that they 
should be lifted at least four feet, and Mr. Brown had planned 
to effect this by scows or camels. Capt. Dobbins, who was 
present and actively engaged, says : *<* There was less water in 
the channel by three feet than the vessels required, and after 
the guns and stores of the Lawrence had been taken ashore 
(the guns being laid upon timbers on the sandbeaeh), the two 
lighters or scows were placed one on each side of her and large 
timbers put across the vessel and secured to the lighters. 
There were four holes in the bottom of the lighters, eight 
inches square, and plugs fitted to them, which readied above 
the tops of the lighters ; these plugs were taken out and the 
lighters sunk. The timbers were then blocked upon the 
lighters, the plugs jDlaced in the holes, and the lighters 
pumped and bailed out, which raised the vessel to the height 
required to float her over. Before daylight on Tuesday, the 
vessel was afloat ; by two o'clock, her armament was all on 
board, mounted, a salute fired, and ready for action. The 
same jdan was the next day pursued with the Niagara, and 
by incessant labor, day and night, she was in twenty-four 
hours also ready for action. When the Niagara was on the 
bar with the lighters under her, the British squadron hove in 
sight, standing in for Erie. It fortunately happened that the 
wind caused the Lawrence to head in the same direction with 
the Niagara on the bar, and the weather being quite hazy, 
the enemy must have supposed them both afloat. The head- 
most of the British vessels hove her main-top-sail to the mast, 
and lay by until the rest came up, and, after having ex- 
changed signals, they hauled their wind and stood for Long 
Point. Here thej"^ put a courier ashore to proceed to JNIalden, 
with orders to get the Detroit out as soon as jiossible." 

"The entire management pertaining to getting the vessels 
over the bar was of the most judicious kind, both in facilita- 
ting the work and protecting the Laivrence and Niagara when 
aground. While the Lawrence was on the bar, the Niagara 
and smaller vessels were moored inside, with their broadsides 
toward the roadstead and within point-blank range of the 



232 'history of erie county. 

enemy, should they attempt to approach near enough to 
destroy her. Besides this, tliree long twelve-pounders were 
placed upon the bank about one hundred feet above the water 
(where the lighthouse now stands), protected by an earthen 
entrenchment ; this was not more than three hundred yards 
from a line ranging directly over, and could have kept up a 
destructive fire upon the enemy before they could have reached 
the vessel." 

It has been said that Com. Barclay lost the ascendency on 
Lake Erie by attending a dinner given him and his officers at 
Port Dover, which is situated on Ryerson's Creek, below Long 
Point. It appears there was a dinner given the officers there, 
about that time, and that Com. Barclay replied to a complimen- 
tary toast in rather boastful and contemptuous terms when 
alluding to the "Yankee brigs hard and fast upon the bar." 
The compliment of a dinner was undoubtedly accepted by the 
British officers, but that the day of battle was deferred on that 
account is scarcely worthy of belief. Capt. Perry had looked 
forward with great anxiety to the passage of the bar. In a 
letter dated July 27, to the Secretary, he says: "We are 
ready to sail the instant officers and men arrive ; and as the 
enemy appear determined to dispute the passage of the bar 
with us, the question as to the command of Lake Erie will 
soon be decided." 

On the 28th of July another urgent appeal came from Gen, 
Harrison. Capt. Perry replied : "I am of opinion that in 
two days the naval superiority will be decided on Lake Erie. 
Should we be successful, I shall sail for the head of the lake 
immediately, to cooperate with you, and I hope that our joint 
eflforts will be productive of honor and advantage to our coun- 
try. The squadron is not much more than half manned ; but 
as I see no prospect of reinforcement, I have determined to 
commence my operations. . . . My anxiety to join you is 
very great, and had seamen been sent me in time, I should 
noAV in all probability have been at the head of the lake acting 
in conjunction with you." A call was made for volunteers, 
and a sufficient number offered to man the vessels for a cruise 
to Long Point, where the enemy were supposed to be. At 
three o'clock on the morning of the 6th of August the signal 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 233 

was made for the squadron to weigh anchor, and at four the 
vessels were all under sail. From daylight on the 2d to the 
4th of August Capt. Perry, though in feeble health, had not 
closed his eyes, and not an officer or man of the squadron had 
enjoyed a moment's rest, excepting such as could be snatched 
u^jon the deck. As they were in search of the enemy, the 
vessels were cleared for action, and consequently there could 
be little opportunity for repose. In twenty-four hours the 
squadron returned to Erie without having seen the enemy, 
and they afterward heard that they had sailed up the lake to 
Maiden. The list of vessels and commanders on this cruise 
were : the Lawrence^ Capt. Perry ; Niagara, Lieut. D. Turner ; 
Caledonia, Purser Magrath ; schooner Ariel, Lieut. J. Packett ; 
Scorpion, Sailing-master S. Champlin ; Tigress, Master's Mate 
A. McDonald ; Porcupine, Midshipman G. Senat. The Ohio 
and Trippe were left behind for want of crews. 

The evening of the 8th it was Caj)t. Perry's intention to set 
sail for the head of the lake, but he was happily detained by the 
arrival of officers and men from Lake Ontario. Mr. Hamble- 
ton, who was purser of the Laiorence, and Capt. Perry's con- 
fidential friend, has in his journal the following : "Went on 
shore and transacted a variety of business ; i)aid off the volun- 
teers, so that we have none but the four months' men who 
signed articles. Capt. Perry has just received a letter from 
Gen. Harrison, informing him of the raising of the siege of 
Camp Meigs, and of the unsuccessful attack on the fort at 
Sandusky, commanded by Lieut. Croghan. The prisoners 
taken there state that the new ship Detroit was launched at 
Maiden on the 17th day of last month. Capt. Perry and I 
dined on shore. After dinner, being alone, we had a long 
conversation on the state of our affairs. He confessed that he 
was now much at a loss M'hat to do. While he feels the dan- 
ger of delay, he is not insensible to the danger of encountering 
an enemy without due preparation. His officers are few and 
inexperienced, and we are short of seamen. His repeated and 
urgent requests for men have been treated with the most 
mortifying neglect ; he declines making another. While thus 
engaged, a midshipman, Mr. J. B. INIontgomery, entered and 
handed him a letter. It was from Lieut. Elliot on his way to 



234 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

join him, with several officers and eighty-nine seamen. He 
was electrified by this news, and as soon as we were alone he 
declared he had not been so happy since his arrival." On the 
10th the party from Lake Ontario arrived at Erie, numbering 
one hundred and two souls, including two acting lieutenants, 
eight midshipmen, a master's mate, and a clerk. 

On August 12, Com. Perry's squadron again set sail from 
Erie, with a few short of four hundred officers and men, for 
the headquarters of the Northwestern army, which were then 
at Seneca, on the banks of the Sandusky. The order of sail- 
ing established by Perry's squadron was in a double column — 
the Lawrence^ Porcupine^ Caledonia, Ohio, and Ariel being on 
the right, and the Niagara, Trippe, Tigress, Somers, and 
Scorpion on the left. At first the Ariel and Scorpion, the 
best sailers of the small vessels, were placed opposite the 
enemy and near the Commodore ; in a situation to render 
support in any part of the line. Afterward the Sco7pion was 
brought into the line, and the distance between the vessels 
was fixed at a half-cable's length (three hundred and sixty 
feet). Finally, there was an order of attack, in which each 
vessel had an antagonist assigned to it in the British squadron. 
Perry reserved to himself the privilege of fighting the largest 
of the enemy's ships, and, accordingly in his diagram, placed 
the Lawrence opposite the Detroit, and the Niagara opposite 
the Queen Charlotte. Provision was made in case the vessels 
should be separated in the night, to recognize each other by 
the following signal : Hoist one light and hail the vessel to 
windward; first answer "Jones," to which the leewardmost 
would reply " Madison." These, with others, were well con- 
ceived to promote concerted action and prevent surjirise, 
and indicated judgment and forethought. On the 16th the 
squadron arrived off Cunningham's or Kelly's Island, and on 
the 17th the Scorpion, which was in advance of the squadron, 
reconnoitering the islands, in looking into Put-in-Bay dis- 
covered a small vessel of the enemy. This was the Ottawa, of 
twenty-five tons, that had previously been captured at 
Maumee. She at once attempted to escape, but was closely 
pursued by the Scorpion, and would have been taken, but the 
Scorpion grounded in rounding a point off Middle Bass 



HISTORY OP ERIE COUNTY. 235 

Island, and the little craft made good her escape to the 
Canada shore. The squadron being under way at the time, 
working up to the islands, had a full view of the chase. 

" The fleet on the 17th sailed to the naouth of Sandusky Bay, 
and on anchoring fired three guns, waited ten minutes, and 
fired three more, which was the signal previously agreed upon 
by letter between Capt. Perry and Gen. Harrison. Col. Gaines 
the same evening came aboard the Lcavrence with a number of 
officers and Indians, and reported Gen. Harrison twenty-seven 
miles distant with an army of eight thousand militia, regulai's, 
and Indians. Boats were sent to bring the General and his 
suite ; the party arrived late in the evening, and consisted of 
Generals Cass and McArthur, Col. Gaines, Maj. Croghan, with 
his numerous staff", and twenty-six chiefs of the Shawnee, 
Wyandot, and Delaware Indians. Among these were three 
highly influential ones. Crane, Blackhoof, and Capt. Tommy ; 
the Indians were brought that they might inform their 
friends among the British of the great force of the Americans. 
On the morning of the 20th a salute was fired in honor of the 
General's visit. Gen. Harrison not being ready to advance at 
this time, Capt. Perry resolved immediately to pursue the 
enemy and offer battle. Gen. Harrison and the Commodore 
spent the day in reconnoitering, and concerted a plan for re- 
moving the army to this ijoint when it should assemble, 
previous to invading Canada. On the 21st the General re- 
turned to his camp, and Capt. Perry proceeded to Put-in-Bay 
and stood out for Maiden, where he discovered the British 
squadron within Bar Point. At Put-in-Bay Gen. Harrison 
had furnished Capt. Perry with a reinforcement of thirty-six 
volunteers, which, after deducting a few deaths, carried the 
total of his muster roll to four hundred and ninety souls. Of 
the reinforcement a small number were river boatmen, and 
were mostly to serve as marines. Many of them were militia 
from Kentucky, and men who had volunteered from a love of 
adventure, having never seen a vessel until their arrival at 
Sandusky, and their astonishment and curiosity knew no 
bounds. They unceremoniously visited every part of the 
ship, from the masthead to the bottom of the hold, and ex- 
pressed themselves in rapturous and enthusiastic terms. 



236 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Dressed in the favorite Kentucky liunting-sliirt of blue linsey- 
woolsey fringed, they themselves were a curiosity to most of 
the officers and men, some of whom had never before seen a 
backwoodsman. After being allowed to indulge their curi- 
osity, Com. Perry stated to them their duties, M'hich they 
cheerfully undertook to perform. On their return from 
Maiden, a few days were profitably employed in teaching the 
ill-assorted crews their duty, and in training them in their 
various evolutions preparatory to battle. They had returned 
to Put-in-Bay, as the wind was not favorable to their entering 
Maiden ; and they could here watch the enemy's movements. 
They had also much sickness aboard. Capt. Perry had been 
attacked -with bilious-remittent fever ; but owing to his 
strength of constitution it had not assumed a malignant 
form. His surgeon, clerk, and brother were also seriously ill. 
Dr. Usher Parsons, the assistant surgeon, though himself out 
of health, was obliged to prescribe for the sick of the Laivrence, 
as well as the small vessels. In the Commodore's case strong 
remedial measures were successfully applied. " On August 28, 
Dr. Parsons himself became affected with the prevailing fever 
and though unable to walk, with a humane self-devotion 
he continued at the bedside of the sick, to which he was 
carried ; this was not only in the lyawrence, but the small 
vessels — being lifted on board of them in a, chair, and the sick 
brought on deck for his prescription." By September 1, Capt. 
Perry was able again to be on deck ; in the meantime the 
British had rigged and equipped their new vessel, the Detroit, 
and he was compelled to abandon all hopes of meeting the 
enemy on an equal footing. 

Capt. Perry received two letters at this time from the Secre- 
tary of the Navy, one begging him to retain the command on 
Lake Erie (which he had resigned in consequence of some 
misunderstanding), with many soothing and complimentary 
expressions ; the other full of fault-finding and bitterness, 
which was wholly unmerited. In Capt. Perry's reply, he 
vindicated himself in a mild and respectful manner from all 
charges. 

On the 6th of September the Ohio, under command of 
Sailing-master Dobbins, was disijatched to Erie for stores and 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



239 



ammunition (where she had been the 22d of August on ti. + 
same errand), and was enjoined to make every exertion to 
return witli all practicable speed. Some citizens of Maiden, 
as well as the family of Capt. Brevoort, who resided in Detroit, 
informed Capt. Perry as to the force of the enemy, and also 
that they were short of provisions and must engage our 
squadron to open the way to Long Point. Their force con- 
sisted of the new, strongly-built ship Detroit, 19 guns, 298 tons ; 
the Queen Charlotte, 17 guns, 260 tons ; the Lady JPrevost, 13 
guns, 96 tons ; the brig Hunter, 10 guns, 71 tons ; sloop Little 
Belt, 3 guns, 60 tons ; schooner Chippewa, 1 gun, 35 tons — 
making an aggregate of sixty-three guns, thirty-five of which 
were long. The squadi'on was commanded by Capt. Robert 
Herriot Barclay, a skillful and experienced seaman, who had 
served with Nelson at Trafalgar ; the second In command was 
Capt. Finnis, also a brave officer. The whole British force 
numbered thirty -two officers and four hundred and seventy 
seamen — in all five hundred and two. Of the American vessels, 
the Lawrence and Niagara were each 260 tons, with 20 guns ; 
Capt. Perry commanded the Lawrence and Capt. Elliot the 
Niagara ; the Caledonia, 3 guns. So tons, Lieut. Turner ; the 
Ariel, 4 guns, Lieut. Packet ; the Scorpion, 2 guns. Sailing- 
master Champlin ; the Somers, 2 guns, 65 tons. Sailing-master 
Almy ; the Tripxte, 1 gun, Lieut. Holdup (Stevens) ; the 
Tigress, 1 gun, Lieut. Conklin ; the Porcupine,! gun, Mid- 
shipman Smith — in all nine vessels, with fifty-four guns. 
The whole force of officers and men, four hundred and ninety ; 
of these, one hundred and sixteen were on the sick list, 
seventy-eight being cases of bilious fever. The Somers, Trij32^e, 
Tigress, and Porcupine were dull sailers. The officers of the 
squadron were mostly young men from Rhode Island, and 
the sailing-masters were fellow-townsmen of Capt. Perry, 
taken from the merchant service. The superiority of the 
enemy in physical force must have brought to mind an ad- 
monition of Com. Chauncey to Com. Perry, "never desj^ise 
your enemy"; yet he thoroughly understood himself, and 
felt armed in having a just cause. 

On the 6th Perry sailed for Maiden, and finding the British 
still at their moorings, returned to Put-in-Bay. He then sig- 



238 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY, 



'L'alled all the commanders to the Lawrence^ and furnished 
them with corrected instructions for their government during 
the battle. The battle-flag, which had been privately pre- 
pared by Mr. Hambleton before leaving Erie, with the last 
words of the lamented Lawrence, " Don't give up the ship," 
in white letters on a blue ground, was produced, and its hoist- 
ing at the main-royal mast of the Lawrence was to be the 
signal for action. Capt. Perry stated to them his intention to 
bring the enemy from the first to close quarters, in order to 
get the benefit of his carronades. His last injunction to them 
was, in case of difficulty to follow the advice of Lord Nelson : 
" If you lay your enemy close alongside, you cannot be out of 
your place." The men had now become familiar with their 
weapons, and every preparation seemed complete. The sick- 
ness continued, and on the Sth the other medical officers 
ceased to perform duty, leaving Dr. Parsons, though but half 
recovered, in sole charge of the sick of the whole squadron. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



British Vessels appear — Com. Perry Remodels his Line, and other 
Preparations — A brief Description by Dr. Parsons of the Battle of 
September 10 — The Vessels return to Erie with the ivounded Prison- 
ers — Capt. Perry promoted — His Ecception at Erie — A Remark of 
McKenzie — President Madison — Congress — Prizes. 

At sunrise of September 10, from the masthead of the 
Lawrence^ the British fieet was discovered on the northwest- 
ern board, standing for Put-in-Bay. The fact was immedi- 
ately reported by the officer of the deck, who ordered the 
signal made, " Enemy in sight," "Under way to get." Soon 
the whole squadron was moving out of the bay with a light 
southwest breeze. The wind was very unsteady, and at ten 
o'clock, having made little progi-ess, Capt. Perry addressed his 
sailing-master, Mr. Taylor, as to the time in his opinion it 
would require to weather the islands. Mr. Taylor's reply 
caused Capt. Perry to order the master to run to leeward of 



HISTORY OP ERIE COUNTY. 239 

the islands. Mr. Taylor replied, " they would then have to 
engage the enemy from the leeward." Capt. Perry said, "to 
windward or leeward they shall fight to-day." The signal 
was made accordingly ; but before it could be executed they 
were relieved by the wind shifting to the southeast, which 
enabled them to engage the enemy to windward, as they much 
preferred. The newly-painted British vessels, with their un- 
folding banners in the morning sun, were an imposing and 
gallant sight. 

Com, Perry remodeled his line, as he found Com. Barclay 
had placed the Chippeivay in the van ; second in the line, the 
Detroit; the Hunter third ; Queen Charlotte fourth ; Lady 
Prevost fifth ; and Little Belt sixth. Capt. Perry placed the 
Lawrence so as to encounter the Detroit^ with the Scorpion 
ahead, and the Ariel on his weather bow. The Caledonia 
came next, to encounter the Hunter ; the Niagara next, to be 
opposite the Queen; the Somers, Porcujnne, Tigi'ess, and 
Trippe in the rear, to encounter the Lady Prevost and Little 
Belt. It was now ten o'clock, and they were distant five or 
six miles from the enemy, with a light Aviud from the south- 
east, so that the advance was at the rate of three knots ; and 
Capt. Perry having called the crew about him elevated the 
burgee, exclaiming, " My brave lads, this flag contains the 
last words of Capt. Lawrence ! Shall I hoist it?" "Ay, ay, 
ay, sir !" resounded from all quarters of the ship, and the flag 
was swayed to the main-royal masthead. As the flag unfurled 
and became visible to the other crews, hearty and enthusiastic 
cheers responded throughout the line. A luncheon was now 
served, and Perry carefully examined his battery, gun by gun, 
to see that all was in order, exchanging a pleasant or encour- 
aging word with all. Seeing some of the Constitution^ s., he 
said to them, "Well, boys, are you ready?" "All ready, 
your honor!" was the brief reply, with a general touch of 
the hat or handkerchief, which some had substituted. To 
another group, "But I need not say anything to you ; you 
know how to beat those fellows." Again, with a smile of 
recognition, "Ah ! here are the Ncuport boys ! They will do 
their duty, I warrant ! " 

A silence of an hour and a half succeeded, during which the 



240 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

squadron was slowly neariiig the enemy ; this was spent in 
various ways, as the cares and consciences of the men about 
to engage in deadly combat might dictate. In the event of 
his death, Capt. Perry gave Mr. Hambleton directions how to 
act with regard to his private affairs, and a leaded package to 
Dr. Parsons, with instructions from government and letters 
from Mrs. Perry, to be thrown overboard. 

At length a bugle was heard to sound from the Detroit, a 
mile and a half distant, and loud cheers followed throughout 
the British squadron. Soon after, at a quarter before twelve, a 
single shot was fired from the enemy's flag-ship at the 
Lawrence, which did not take effect. Signal was now made 
for each vessel to engage her opponent as pi'eviously desig- 
nated. The dull sailers among the small vessels were a little 
out of their stations astern, so that our line overspread that of 
the enemy one thousand feet ; besides this, the inferior size of 
our vessels gave the enemy a greater superiority than even his 
nominal one. A brief description of the battle, by Dr. 
Parsons, an eye-witness of high character and intelligence, is 
as follows : " Perry made more sail, and coming within 
canister distance, opened a rapid and destructive fire upon the 
Detroit. The Caledonia, Lieut. Turner, followed the Lawrence 
in gallant style, and the Ariel, Lieut. Packet, and the Scorjnon, 
Mr. Champlin, fought nobly and effectively. 

"The Niagara failing to grapple with the Q,ueen, the latter 
vessel shot ahead to fire upon the Lawrence, and with the 
Detroit, aimed their broadsides exclusively upon her, hoi)ing 
and intending to sink her. At last they made her a complete 
wreck, but, fortunately, the Commodore escaped without 
injury, and stepping into a boat with his fighting flag throM'n 
over his shoulder,^ he pushed off" for the Niagara, amid a 
shower of cannon and musket balls, and reached that vessel 

1 In a letter dated Providence, June 28, 1861, Dr. Parsons says : " I j'ester- 
day visited tlie naval school, in Newport, on board the Coyistitution, and 
was delighted to see once more the identical flag, ' Don't give up the ship,' 
which Perrj' hoisted on board the Laiurence on going into action, and took 
with him to the Niagara when he had fought his own ship to the last. The 
flag was immediately sent to Washington by Lieut. Forest, and has ever 
since been preserved— of late years in the naval school— and is exhibited 
only on particular occasions. The sight of it created such emotions and 
reminiscences of the past that I could not refrain from shedding tears over 
it." 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 241 

unscathed. He foimd her a fresh vessel, with only two, or, at 
most, three iDersons injured, and immediately sent her com- 
mander to hasten up the small vessels. Perry boarded the 
Niagara when she was abreast of the Lawrence, and further 
from her than the Detroit was on her right. The Laivrence 
now dropped astern and hauled down her flag. Perry turned 
the Niagara's course toward the enemy, and crossing the 
bows of the Lawrence, bore down, head foremost, to the 
enemy's line, determined to break through it and take a 
raking position. The Detroit attempted to turn so as to keep 
her broadside to the Niagara and avoid being raked, but in 
doing this she fell against the Queen, and got entangled in her 
rigging, which left the enemy no alternative but to strike both 
ships. Perry now shot farther ahead, near the Lady Prevost, 
which, from being crippled in her rudder, had drifted out of 
her place to the leeward, and was pressing forward toward the 
head of the British line to support the two shii)s. One broad- 
side from the Niagara silenced her battery. The Hunter next 
struck, and the two smaller vessels, in attempting to escape, 
were overhauled by the Scorpion, Mr. Champlin, and Trippe, 
Lieut. Holdup, and thus ended the action after three o'clock. 
" Let us now advert for a moment to the scenes exhibited in 
the flag-ship Lawrence, of which I can speak as an eye- 
witness. The wounded began to come down before she 
opened her battery, and for one, I felt impatient at the delay. 
In px'oper time, however, as it proved, the dogs of war were 
let loose from their leash, and it seemed as though heaven and 
earth were at loggerheads. For more than two hours little 
could be heard but the deafening thunder of our broadsides, 
the crash of balls dashing through our timbers, and shrieks of 
the wounded. These were brought down faster than I could 
attend to them, further than to stay the bleeding or support a 
shattered limb with splints and pass them forward upon the 
berth deck. When the battle had I'aged an hour and a half, I 
heard a call for me at the small skylight, and stepping toward 
it I saw the Commodore, whose countenance was as calm and 
placid as if in ordinary duty. 'Doctor,' said he, 'send me 
one of your men ' — meaning one of the six stationed with me 
to assist in moving the wounded. In five minutes the call 



242 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

was repeated and obeyed, and at the seventh call I told him 
he had all of my men. He asked if there "were any sick or 
wounded who could pull a rope, when two or three crawled 
upon deck to lend a feeble hand in pulling at the last gun. 

" The hard fighting terminated about three o'clock. As the 
smoke cleared away the two fleets were found mingled to- 
gether, the small vessels having come up to the others. The 
shattered Lawrence lying to the windward was once more able 
to hoist her flag, which was cheered by a few feeble voices on 
board, making a melaucholj^ sound compared with the bois- 
terous cheers that preceded the battle. 

"The proud, the painful duty of taking possession of the 
conquered ships was now performed. The Detroit was nearly 
dismantled, and the destruction and carnage had been dread- 
ful. The Queen was in a condition little better — every com- 
mander and second in command, says Barclay in his official 
report, was either killed or wounded. The whole number 
killed in the British fleet was forty-one, and of wounded 
ninety-four. In the American fleet, twenty-seven killed and 
ninety-six wounded. Of the twenty-seven killed, twenty-two 
were on board the Lawrence ; of the niuety-six wounded, 
sixty-one were on board the same ship, making eighty-three 
killed and wounded out of one hundred and one reported fit 
for duty in the Lawrence on the morning of the battle. On 
board the Niagara were two killed and twenty-three wounded, 
making twenty-five ; and of these twenty-two were killed or 
wounded after Perry took command of her. 

"About four o'clock a boat was discovered approaching the 
Lawrence. Soon the Commodore was recognized in her, who 
was returning to resume the command of his tattered ship, 
determined that the remnant of her crew should have the 
privilege of witnessing the formal surrender of the British 
officers. It was a time of coufiicting emotions when he 
stepped upon the deck. The battle was won and he was safe, 
but the deck was slippery with blood, and strewed with the 
bodies of twenty officers and men, some of whom sat at table 
M'ith us at our last meal, and the ship resounded with the 
groans of the wounded. Those of us who were spared and 
able to walk met him at the gangway to welcome him on 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 243 

board, but the salutation was a silent one on ))oth sides — not a 
word could find utterance.^ 

"And now the British officers arrived, one from each vessel, 
to tender their submission, and with it their swords. When 
they approached, picking their way among the wreck and 
carnage of the deck, with their hilts toward Perry, they ten- 
dered them to his acceptance. With a dignified and solemn 
air, and with a low tone of voice, he requested them to retain 
their side arms ; inquired with deep concern for Com. Barclay 
and the wounded officers, tendering to them every comfort 
his ship afforded, and expressing his regret that he had not a 
spare medical officer to send them, that he only had one on 
duty for the fleet, and that one had his hands full. 

"Among the ninety-six wounded there occurred three 
deaths : a result so favorable was attributable to the plentiful 
supply of fresh provision sent off to us from the Ohio shore ; 
to fresh air — the wounded being ranged under an awning on 
the deck until we arrived at Erie, ten days after the action, 
and also to the devoted attention of Com. Perry to every want. 

"Those who were killed in the battle were that evening 
committed to the deep, and over them was read the impressive 
Episcopal service. 

" On the following morning the two fleets sailed into Put- 
in-Bay, where the slain officers of both were buried in an 
appropriate and affecting manner. They consisted of three 
Americans : Lieut. Brooks and Midshipmen Laub and Clark ; 
and three British officers : Capt. Finnis and Lieut. Stokes, of 
the Queen, and Lieut. Garland, of the Detroit. Equal respect 
was paid to the slain of both nations, and the crews of both 
fleets united in the ceremony. The procession of boats, with 
two bands of music ; the slow and regular motion of the oars, 
striking in exact time with the notes of the solemn dirge ; the 

1 In Dr. Parsons' address at Cleveland, on the lOth of September, IStiO, is 
the following interesting item : " Perry walked aft, when his first remark 
was addressed to Ills intimate friend Hambletou, then lying wounded on 
tlie deck. ' The prayers of my wife,' said he, ' have prevailed in saving me.' 
Tlien, casting his eyes about, he inquired, ' Where is my In-other?' This 
bi'olhcr was a young midshipman of thirteen years. He liad during the 
battle acted as aid in running with orders to diflerent parts of the ship— for 
you must know that in the din and uproar of battle orders can hardly be 
heard at three feet distance. We made a general stir to look him up, not 
without fears that he had been knocked overboard, but he was soon found 
in Ills berth asleep, exhausted by the exercise and excitement of the daj'." 



244 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

mournful waving of flags and sound of minute-guns from the 
ships, presented a striking contrast to the scene exhibited two 
days before, when both the hving and the dead now forming 
in this solemn and fraternal train were engaged in fierce and 
bloody strife, hurling at each other the thunderbolts of war." 

On the eighth day after the action, the Lawrence, with the 
wounded on board, was dispatched to Erie, where they were 
cordially welcomed and most kindly cared for. Soon after 
the British prisoners arrived in the Detroit and Qlueen Char- 
lottc, and after the wounded of their number had been care- 
fully attended, they were removed to Pittsburg for greater 
security from desertion. Immediately after the battle, Capt. 
Perry joined Gen. Harrison as a volunteer. The remainder of 
the vessels conveyed the army to Maiden ; here the enemy, 
under Gen. Proctor, had made a hasty retreat, but were pur- 
sued and captured. 

Gapt. Perry was promoted to the rank of post-captain, and 
leave granted him, according to his request, to return to his 
family ; he was to resume also the command of the Newport 
station until a suitable ship should be provided for him. As 
the British were checked in the Northwest, Gen. Harrison re- 
ceived orders to repair with a part of his army to Fort George, 
and embarked with Capt. Perry on the Ariel; Com. Barclay, 
who was on parole, and on his return homeward as far as 
BufTalo, was also of the party. 

On the morning of October 22, the Ariel was descried by the 
citizens of Erie, and preparations were immediately set on foot 
for an appropriate and enthusiastic reception of the hero, the 
magnitude of whose services they could better ajjpreciate than 
others. Though Com. Perry expected to land unobserved, a 
large concourse of citizens with joj^ful acclamations met him 
at the beach at the foot of French Street, and two field pieces 
fired a national salute. The party, consisting of Com. Perry, 
Com. Barclay, with his surgeon, and Gen. Harrison, with 
Col. Gaines, came on foot up the steep hill to Duncan's tavern 
(which is still standing, though in ruins), on the corner of 
Third and French streets. In the evening the town was 
illuminated and a torch-light procession marched through the 
streets, bearing transparencies with the following devices : 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 245 

"Com. Perry, 10th September, 1813"; on another, "Gen. 
Harrison, oth of October, 1813 " ; on a third, " Free trade and 
sailor's rights" ; on a fourth, "Erie" ; cannon in the mean- 
time being discharged at intervals of three minutes. During 
the afternoon, tlie Niagara arrived ; and the next day the 
Ariel, with its distiuguislied party, left for Buffalo, the com- 
mand at Erie devolving on Capt. Elliot. Capt. Perry's 
journey. to the East was one succession of enthusiastic demon- 
strations, and the cities vied with one another in expressions 
of joy and gratitude for one who had restored tranquillity to 
the frontier and whose modesty or bravery they knew not 
which most to admire.^ It has been said, " Nelson triumphed 
over Fx'enchmen and Spaniards ; Perry was called on to meet 
the conquerors of these, led, moreover, by a veteran formed in 
the school of Nelson, and bearing upon his person the marks 
of Nelson's greatest victory. The battle of Trafalgar was won 
by the whole British fleet over a part of that of the allies ; the 
battle of Lake Erie was over the whole British squadron by 
only a part of ours." 

President Madison, in his message, calls it a victory never 
surpassed in luster, however much it may have been in mag- 
nitude. 

Congress passed a vote of thanks to be presented to Capt. 
Perry, and all the officers and men of the squadron, for the 
decisive and glorious victory over a British squadron of 
superior force. The President of the United States also pre- 
sented gold medals to Capt. Perry and Capt. Elliot, bearing 
an emblematical device of the action between the two squad- 

1 An hour after the battle, Com. Perry forwarded by express two letters, 
one to Gen. Harrison, the other to the Secretary of the Navy, as follows : 

"Dear General:— We have met the enemy and they are ours; two 
ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop. 

" Yours with great respect and esteem, 

" O. H. Perry." 
" United States Brig Niagara, off the Western Sister, > 
" Head of Lake Erie, September 10, 1813, 4 p. m. / 
" Sir :— It has pleased the Almighty to give to the arms of the United 
States a signal victory over their enemies on this lake. The British 
squadron, consisting of two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop, 
have this moment surrendered to the force under my command, after a 
sharp conflict. 

" I have the honor to be. sir, 

" Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" O. H. Perry. 
" The Hon. William Jones, Secretary of the Navy." 



246 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

rons ; and a silver medal to each commissioned officer either of 
the army or navy service on board ; a sword to each of the 
sailing-masters and midshipmen ; and also a medal to the 
nearest male relative of Lieut. John Brooks ; and a sword to 
the nearest male relative of Midshij)men Henry Laub, John 
Clark, and Thomas Claxton, Jr., with the expression of the 
deep regret of Congress for the loss of these gallant men. 
Three months' pay, exclusive of the common allowance, was 
voted to all the petty officers, seamen, marines, and infantry, 
who supported the honor of the American flag under the 
orders of their gallant commander on that signal occasion. 

The British vessels were prized by a board of officers from 
Lake Ontario, assisted by naval constructor, Henry Eckfordi 
and purchased for §255,000. Of this. Com. Chauncey was en- 
titled to one twentieth of the whole, being 1)12,750 ; Captains 
Perry and Elliot each drew §7,140. As no portion of j)rize 
money could be awarded to Capt. Perry for his general com- 
mand. Congress made a special grant to him of §5,000 ; §2,295 
was the portion of each commander of a gunboat, lieutenant, 
sailing-master, and captain of marines ; §811 for a midship- 
man ; $447 a petty officer ; and §209 for each marine and sailor. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Blockhouses built in ISIS-H — State of Society — Buffalo burned — 
Alarms at Erie — Cajit. Sinclair arrives — Bird and Bankin shot, 
and Davis Mi7ig — Peace — Disposition made of Government Vessels 
— List of Commanding Officers at Erie from ISIS to 1825 — Topog- 
raphy of PresquHle Bay and the PeninsiUa — Misery Bay — Gen. 
Ber7iard and Maj. Totteii's Survey — A2^propriations made by the 
State and United States — Changes made by Time and Art since 
1813 — Rise and Fall of Water in Lake Erie — A Singular Phenome- 
non. 

For the better defense of Erie, in the winter of 1813 and 
1814, a blockhouse was built on Garrison Hill, and another on 
the point of the ijeninsula. (The one on the shore was burned 
in 1853, an occurrence much regretted by the inhabitants). 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 247 

Ten vessels, with their complements of men, were stationed 
in the harbor, and a large body of militia quartered upon the 
town. The winter is remembered by the old inhabitants as 
one of unusual excitement and dissipation. Like the idola- 
trous Israelites, the people sat down to eat and drink, afad rose 
up to play. Victory and prize money, leisure and lax disci- 
pline were found to promote anything but peace and good 
morals. Deaths by dueling, suicide, and mania a potu were 
not unfrequent. As an instance of the folly of the times, an 

officer by the name of B s provided liimself with blank 

challenges in order to be in readiness, if insulted, to demand 
"the satisfaction of a gentleman." Near the corner of Third 
and Sassafras streets, a duel took place between Midshipman 
Senat, who commanded the Porcupine during the action, and 
Acting-master McDonald, which resulted in the death of the 
former. The cause of the difficulty, it is said, resolved itself 
into the number of buttons worn by McDonald. A singular 
fact is related of McDonald. A few minutes after committing 
the fatal deed, but before it was known, he addressed an 
acquaintance with some ordinary inquiry, but was not recog- 
nized by him excepting by his voice ; and scarcely by that, so 
unnatural and ghost-like was his countenance. It is almost 
superfluous to add, that the legal authorities took no notice of 
such infractions of the law. 

December 30, 1813, Capt. Isaac Barnes, of the militia near 
BufTalo, communicated to the commander at Erie the alarm- 
ing intelligence that the British had that morning lauded 
three thousand regulars, militia, and Indians, at Black Rock, 
and forced Maj.-Gen. Hall's company of militia to retreat to 
Bufiiilo, and afterward to surrender as prisoners of war. The 
village and large vessels at Black Rock had been consumed — 
the enemy had advanced eight or ten miles up Lake Erie 
destroying everything as thej' passed, and jDurposed burning 
the vessels at Erie. Full li):)erty was given the Indians to 
plunder in order to encourage them in the nefarious business. 
Capt. Barnes requested of Capt. Elliot men, arms, and ammu- 
nition, the communication being interrupted eastward by the 
Indians. Upon this Capt. Elliot, January 10, informed Gen. 
INIead that the Indians were collecting a great number of sleighs 



248 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

and sleds, and as soon as the ice would admit, expected to make 
an attack upon Erie — that the force of the British amounted 
to three thousand, and the one at Erie to but two thousand. 
Immediately the whole of the first brigade of Gen. Mead's 
division was ordered into service, and proceeded to Erie, 
which increased the force to four thousand. The boldness of 
the British at this time was owing to the removal of troops 
from Fort George, which left the frontier partially unpro- 
tected. False alarms were frequent in Erie during the winter 
as to the progress of the enemy, and more than once the 
whole village was astir at midnight packing goods and furni- 
ture for a hasty departure — assurances of safety and protection 
from the commanding officer having no effect. The parades 
of the militia at such times, in their begged, borrowed, or in- 
herited uniforms, were occasions of special gratification to the 
young, and those fond of the ludicrous, the first brigade being 
mostly in the hands of substitutes. These were often of the 
lowest class, untaught and unteachable in manners and disci- 
pline. North and \vest of where the First Presbyterian 
church now stands, the ground was covered with log huts 
erected for a regiment of regular troops, and was fauailiarly 
known as Stumptown ; most of the huts were afterward 
destroyed by fire — one of the largest, however, for many years 
served as a meeting-house. Among officers and men the all- 
absorbing topic was the shaie of honor or otherwise Capt. 
Elliot was entitled to in the battle of September 10. The 
sailors of the Lawrence and Niagara were never expected to 
meet peaceably. The following scene was often enacted : an 
"Elliot" champion would maintain that the wind was light 
and they could not get up; the '■'■Lawrence man" would 
allude to " the main-top sail to the mast, and the jib brailed 
up," and immediately a trial of muscle would ensue, and 
blood flow unless prevented by the by-standers. In the 
spi'ing Capt. Elliot left for Lake Ontario, and Com. Sinclair 
came on to Erie in April. In the fall three men were executed 
for desertion — Bird and Rankin, marines, were shot, and 
Davis, a seaman, hung to the yard-arm of the Niagara. Bird 
belonged to a volunteer company from Bellefonte. The com- 
pany occupied a small blockhouse at the Cascade — being unac- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 249 

customed to military discipline they were impatient and restive 
under orders, and mutinied bj- shutting themselves up and 
refusing admission to others. Lieut. Brooks, of the marines, 
being much in need of men before tlie battle, these men wei'e 
told that their offense would be overlooked provided they 
would enlist with him. Bird being a man of some standing 
was made sergeant, and placed in charge of a storehouse at 
the mouth of Mill Creek, and deserted from thence. He was 
found guilty bj' a court-martial, the President approved the 
sentence, and as it was thought on the frontier such an offense 
could not be overlooked, it was carried out Mith all its hor- 
rors.^ 

When the war in Europe ceased, that of the United States 
with Great Britain, as a branch, naturally fell to the ground, 
and a treaty of peace was concluded and signed at Ghent, 
December 24, 1814. The following disposition was made of 
the government vessels on Lake Erie : The Lawrence was 
repaired, and after making a cruise to Lake Huron was sunk 
in Misery Bay for her better preservation. Two years ago her 
stern was elevated and a portion secured for memorials. The 
Niagara lies under water near the Lawrence. The Caledonia 
was sold in 1815, called the General Wayne, and finally broken 
up at Erie. lu 1814 the Ohio and Soraers were cut out by the 
British at Fort Erie ; the Scorjnon and Tigress were taken the 
same year on Lake Huron ; the Little Belt and Trippe were 
destroyed when Buffalo was burned ; the Ariel went ashore 
and was wrecked in Buffalo Bay, and the Porcupine was 
transferred to the revenue department. The Detroit Mas sunk 
in Misery Bay, near the Lawrence (sailors say she would float 
off, and in spite of their efforts would keep at a respectable 
distance) ; she was, in 1835, raised, and rigged a bark, by Capt. 
George Miles, and navigated the lake some years ; lastly, she 
was sent over Niagara Falls for a spectacle, and probably a 
speculation, too, on the part of the hotel keepers. The Queen 
Charlotte was sunk in Misery Bay, and afterward fitted out for 

1 The execution of Bird and the other deserters at Erie in 1814, constituted 
the romance of the war among children and tlie lower classes. A ballad on 
the theme, of not less than twenty verses, in the " gory " style, rehearsed or 
rather screeched by a servant girl with a doleful countenance, made a 
decided impression on a group of children. 



250 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the lake trade ; the Lach/ Prevost was sold to a Canada mer- 
chant in 1815. 

In 1820 an order was received to reduce the naval station at 
this place to a master commandant, one lieutenant, one 
purser, one surgeon, one surgeon's mate, one captain's clerk, 
'one boatswain, one gunner, one carpenter, one armorer, one 
purser's steward, five able seamen, five ordinary seamen. The 
naval station at Erie was not completely broken up until 1825, 
when the public property was disposed of by auction. The 
following is a list of the commanding offlcers from 1813 : 
Captains O. H. Perry, Jesse D. Elliot, Arthur Sinclair, Daniel 
S. Dexter (who died in 1818, leaving Lieut. George Pearce the 
senior officer), David Deacon, and George Budd. 

Here it may not be out of place to give something of the 
topography of Presqu'ile Bay, and the changes made by time 
and art since 1812. The extreme length of the bay is about 
five miles, and nearly two in breadth, with an area of from 
six to eight miles, and is formed by a peninsula which ex- 
tends in a northeasterly direction, being much in the form of 
a crab's claw. In some places the peninsula is three-fourths 
of a mile in width, and susceptible of cultivation, but a larger 
part is sand, and covered with a low growth of timber, the 
wild grape, and cranberry. The neck or west side in 1812 was 
two or three hundred feet in width ; afterward the action of 
the waves and increased height of the water submerged it for 
the distance of half a mile. By an appropriation of govern- 
ment a passage eight feet in depth was made through this 
neck, so that vessels detained in the harbor by head winds 
might depart, and a saving of distance to steamboats be made 
of from four to six miles. This channel is again filled with 
sand, which is wearing way on the northwest side. At the 
east end of the peninsula sand has been and is accumulating, 
and just within is Misery Bay, a convenient shelter for vessels 
in a storm. This name was given it by Lieut. Holdup in 1814, 
from the comfortless condition of the vessels at the time — the 
weather being gloomy and the stock of falsely so-called good 
cheer exhausted. The depth of water in Presqu'ile Bay 
averages eighteen feet ; at the entrance, the bar or sandbank 
under water has been removed, and the channel there is now 



' HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 251 

about fourteeu feet deep. Immediately after the war the 
opinion of Com. Perry was asked by the Navy Department on 
the subject of removing the bar, and his reply was favorable 
to the project.' In 1824 Gen. Bernard and Maj. Totten sur- 
veyed the harbor, and in their report we find the following 
interesting item : "The basin of Presqu'ile is situated so far 
above the commencement of the falls into Lake Ontario, and 
in so wide a part of Lake Erie that the current produced by the 
escape of water at the falls is here insensible — the only current 
here observable being entirely owing to the easterly or westerly 
winds. These latter currents have, however, sometimes con- 
siderable rapidity, and a curious fact appears in relation to the 
eflfect of these lake currents upon the waters of the basin, viz., 
that a strong current sets into the basin in direct opposition to 
the westerly winds when they blow hard, and conversely, a 
strong current sets out of the basin in direct opposition to 
violent easterly winds : or, in other words, the current out of 
or into the basin runs in a direct opposition both to the set of 
the lake's current and the direction of the winds, whether 
easterly or westerly. 

"It is important to account for this before proceeding fur- 
ther, and in doing so we refer to the sketch herewith to make 
the matter more intelligible. We must first supjDose the 
surface of the lake and of the basin to be of the same level, as 
will always be the case after a few days of calm weather, and 
represent the level by 0° 0'' 00'''' and 0'^'. An easterly wind 
then setting in drives a part of the water of the easterly halt 
of the lake into the western, raising the surface at 0^^ and 0^''^, 
and lowering it at 0' ; as the surface descends at 0'' the water 
in the basin must also descend by running out against the 
wind, there being no issue at the west end of the basin. 

" In like manner when a westerly wind heaps the water at 
0' above the surface in the basin, it must rise in the basin by 
running in against the wind, there being no entrance at the 
west end. As the winds abate, the waters gradually take a 
level common to both lake and basin, but not the same as 

1 In 1822 the state appointed a committee composed of Thomas Forstcr, 
G. Sanford, and George Moore, to survey the Bay of Presqu'ile; to ascertain 
the depth of water in the bay, on the bar, and the anchoring ground out- 
side of the bar. 



252 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

before ; for, the supply being nearly equable at all times, with 
westerly winds more is forced out of the lake o"rer the falls, 
and with easterly winds less passes that way than when the 
surface is at a mean elevation. The basin has, therefore, 
higher to rise immediately after an easterly wind than it was 
depressed by it, and lower to fall after a westerly wind than it 
was elevated by that wind. But the return of the lake to its 
level is slow and gradual, the elevation and depression of the 
waters at its ends is sudden and violent, and amounts often to 
several feet. It is to this latter operation that we are to look 
for producing any considerable effect." They then proceed to 
recommend a plan carried out soon after, that of increasing 
the current by closing the whole mouth of the basin with the 
exception of a passage two hundred feet in width. By means 
of sinking piles and removing the sand between them with a 
dredging machine, as well as by the frequent passage of ves- 
sels, the object has been effected. 

The different appropriations for the improvement of the 
harbor have been as follows : By the State, in 1822, $10,000 ; 
by the United States, in 1824, $30,000 ; in 1828, $6,223 ; in 1831, 
$1,700 ; in 1832, $4,500 ; in 1833, $6,000 ; in 1834, $20,000 ; in 1835, 
$5,000 ; in 1836, $15,000 ; in 1844, $40,000 ; in 1852, $30,000 ; for a 
steam dredge, $20,000. 

About 1813 there was a fine drive on the beach from State 
Street to the Cascade, where there is not now even a footpath. 
Toward the middle of the day this was often overflowed, 
giving rise to the opinion entertained by Com. Perry and 
others that the lake was affected by tides. The year of the 
battle the water was unusually high, not only in the lake, but 
in the Allegheny and French Creek, and it was remarked by 
those well qualified to judge, that without this fortunate cir- 
cumstance, this extraordinary rise, the squadron could not 
have been built, as it would have been impossible to transport 
the ordnance and necessary equipments over land, such was 
the state of the roads leading from Pittsburg. 

In 1808 the water in Lake Erie was lower than it had ever 
before been known ; in 1838 it was four and a half feet above 
the water-mark of 1808. Some pine trees, killed by the inun- 
dation, were found by their rings to be over one hundred 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 253 

years old, and from this it was inferred that the water had not 
been at so great a height for a century. In 1858 it was ob- 
served at tlie Buffalo lighthouse that for some years a gradual 
progressive rise of water had taken place, and the same year 
at Lake Ontario the water was higher than it had been for 
forty years. At Toledo the Avater gauged from two to six feet 
higher than in 1834. During the years 1815, 1816, and 1817, 
Avhich wer6 cold and wet seasons, the water was high ; in 1818 
it was higher still, but not equal to 1837-38. The summer of 
1818 was very hot, and the evaporation reduced the height of 
the lake two feet, when the fall was gradual for several sea- 
sons. From 1822 to 1828 it remained without change. 

Some have supposed that there exists a regular and period- 
ical rise and fall of the waters of the lake once in seven years ; 
but facts do not seem to favor this supposition. Previous to 
1838 there had' been six or seven uncommonly wet seasons, 
with heavy falls of snow, and this fact, together with the sub- 
sidence of the waters after extremely warm and dry seasons, 
ivoulcl seem plainly to indicate the cause. 

A singular phenomenon has sometimes been observed near 
the shore, which is the sudden rise and fall of water in par- 
ticular localities without any apparent cause. May 30, 1823, a 
little after sunset, while the weather was fine and the lake 
calm, at the mouth of Otter and of Kettle Creek, being twenty 
miles apart in Canada, the water rose with astonishing rapidity 
and without the least warning — at the former place nine feet, 
and the latter seven. In both cases, after three swells, the 
lake seemed to have spent its force, and gradually subsided. 
The same eftect was oljserved at diflerent places along the 
shore ; but the high steep banks did not admit of the same 
observation. 

Two other cases of this kind were witnessed and described 
hj a revenue officer ; one at Cunningham Creek, Ohio, in 1826, 
which, in the space of five minutes, overflowed a bank fifteen 
feet in height, doing much damage. The other observed b.y 
him, was in 1830, at Grand River, Ohio, at three o'clock, 
p. ni. There was an unusual waving of the water and a tre- 
mendous sea. The revenue cutter Hush, lying at the wharf, 
let go her anchor, and the current was so strong she drifted 



254 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

with both anchors ahead, and would have been ashore but for 
the man placed at the helm. The top of the pier when built 
was about five feet above the water, but so deeply was it sub- 
merged at this time, from appearance, a vessel drawing eight 
feet of water would have gone over it. 

At the mouth of Sixteen Mile Creek, Erie County, Mr. 
Thomas Crawford witnessed a similar phenomenon about 
1820. 

Others have mentioned the same periodical flux and reflux 
on Lake Ontario, recurring at intervals of a few minutes, and 
ascribed it "to springs at the bottom of the lake, and the 
shock of rivers discharging into it." 

A waterspout was witnessed at Cleveland, October, 1841. It 
was apparently the size of a large haystack, hollow and 
inverted. The wind had been blowing a strong current from 
the northeast, and suddenly changed to the west. 

A few years before, three waterspouts occurred at the same 
moment, twenty-five miles west of Cleveland ; ordinarily they 
may be said to be of rare occurrence on inland seas. 

A whirlwind visited Conneaut, September, 1839, and the 
effects were felt both on sea and land. The waters were lifted 
forty or fifty feet, a barn unroofed near the shore, and much 
other damage sustained. 

The Conneaut Reporter, 1859, has an article to this eff'ect : 
" That the water of Lake Erie was never higher. Many acres 
of land that had borne crops were totally submerged, and Mr. 
J. Gilbert had had more than thirty acres of land destroyed 
by the encroachments of the water the last thirty years. 
The complaint was general along the lake shore, and many 
causes assigned : some believed it to be the back-water caused 
by the Black Rock dam, on the Niagara River, and petitions 
were circulated, asking of the Legislatures of Ohio and Penn- 
sylvania the passage of memorial to Congress for an appro- 
priation to pay the expense of a survey of Niagara River to 
determine the matter." 

A survey of the lakes is now (1861) progressing slowly but 
steadily. An appropriation of $125,000 has been granted for 
carrying on the work. 

The report drawn up by Capt. George G. Meade exhibits the 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 255 

following summary of the year's work : "A recapitulation of 
the operations in the office and the field exhibits the projec- 
tion of twenty-nine manuscript sheets of hydrography, topog- 
raphy, and water levels ; the reduction of four charts for 
engravings ; the drawing of one chart for the lighthouse 
board ; the publication of two charts ; the reduction and tabu- 
lation of 140 monthly sheets of meteorological observations, 
together with numerous other computations, astronomical, 
and geotic ; the survey of 303 miles of lake shore, covering 313 
square miles of minute topography and hydrography ; the ex- 
ecution of two triangulations, extending over 2,200 square 
miles ; the sounding in deep water of 4,300 miles of lines ; the 
determination of the latitudes of three, and the longitudes of 
four points ; the observation of the magnetic elements at nine 
points ; and finally, the continuation of the meteorological 
water-level observations over the whole lake region." 

The water-level and meteorological observations on Lakes 
Erie and Ontario, though in an imperfect state, sum up as 
follows : That the lakes are sensibly and rapidly affected by 
winds and storms, depressing the water from the side whence 
it blows, and raising it on the opposite side ; that, independent 
of wind fluctuations, a change of level arises from rains and 
draining of watersheds and from discharges arising from 
evaporation and the flow through their outlets ; that, as a 
general rule, these last fluctuations occur annually, the high 
stage being in summer, and the low in winter ; that these 
annual fluctuations vary in degree from year to year, being 
the effect of various causes, and the extreme range as yet re- 
ported between the highest and lowest waters has amounted 
to five feet five inches. 



CHAPTEE XVIII. 

Geology, from Prof. Rogers — Character of Soil — Calcareous Marl — 
Bog Ore — Petroleum — Mineral Waters — R. Andrew^ s Account of 
Sink-hole — The Devil's Backbone and Nose — Botanizing. 

A SURVEY of the State was commenced by H. D. Rogers, 
State Geologist, in the year 1836, in consequence of an act of 



256 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the Legislature passed the same year. The law directed that 
an annual report be made by him to the Legislature of the 
progress of the work, with the various areas occupied by the 
different geological formations represented on the State map, 
and on the completion of the work a full account to be pre- 
pared of tbe Geology and Mineralogy of the State. On the 
organization of the svirvey, it was estimated that it would 
occupy at least ten years ; appropriations being withheld after 
the sixth year, Mr. Rogers for three years pursued his ex- 
plorations, and prepared his final report at his own expense ; 
this was, however, afterward repaid. 

In 1851 the Legislature adopted and provided measures and 
means to revise the field-work, in consequence of the rapid 
development of the mining districts, and for the publication 
of the reports, with the accompanying maps, etc. In 1858 the 
final report was published at an expense of $16,000, Mr. Rogers 
retaining the copyright and presenting 1,000 copies of the 
work to the State. 

In 1836 the sum of $6,400 was appropriated to the work : 
$2,000 for the salary of the principal ; $1,200 for each of the as- 
sistants ; $1,000 for the chemist; and $1,000 for incideiital ex- 
penses, should they occur. 

In 1837 two other assistants were apiDoiuted, and $3,600 
added to the future annual appropriation. In 1838 $6,000 was 
appropriated, and in 1841 $10,200, for the purpose of completing 
the mineralogical and geological survey of the State. Of this, 
|4,000 was lost by the want of proper management in its publi- 
cation. 

It was required of the State Geologist, from the first, to 
furnish specimens of all mineral products to the Secretary of 
the Commonwealth, and also of the minerals of each county to 
its respective commissioners (those for the counties seemed to 
be waved). In 1842 the Legislature required the preparation 
of three cabinets of all geological and mineral specimens for 
the use of the State, to be severally deposited at Harrisburg, 
Philadelphia, and Pittsburg. We have been informed that 
Mr. Rogers also made a promise of a similar one for Erie, to 
Mr. J. D. Dunlap ; but that it was not added to the list, lest 
some might consider it favoritism. Such a cabinet might 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 257 

awaken in our county an interest in geology, wliicli would 
manifest itself in the more general pursuit of that engaging 
science, as well as in the more profitable management of 
farms, and the opening up of its resources and mineral 
wealth. 

According to Prof. Rogers, the northwest corner of the 
State, embracing Erie County, a large part of Crawford, and 
the north half of Warren, which he makes his seventh dis- 
trict, a mean breadth of forty miles, is much the simplest of 
all the natural divisions of the geological surface of Pennsyl- 
vania, as to its variety of strata and their structural features. 
It includes but two paleozoic formations, namely, the vergent 
flags' and vergent shales.'- These strata (the most ancient or 
lowest great division of the fossiliferous strata) retain very 
nearly the horizontal position in which they were originally 
deposited, sustaining but a trivial inclination toward the 
southeast, which extends to the coal strata and gives them 
their trough-like configuration. The surface descends rather 
rapidly from the watershed to the lake by a succession of ob- 
scure, alternately gentle and steepish slopes. The declivation 
of the ground may be inferred from the difference in the ele- 
vation of its two margins : that of the watershed, in which it 
begins, being nearly twelve hundred feet, and that of the 
lake, in which it ends, being only five hundred and sixty-five 
feet above the level of the sea. This tract is cut transversely 
by numerous sharp ravines and long tortuous valleys (evi- 
dently carved by a tremendous rush of waters), carrying its 
streams to the lake ; and the borders of some of these afford 
many small, pleasing bits of scenery. But the characteristic, 
and altogether the most impressive pictures, are those of the 
lake itself. The first view which the traveler gets of this 
broad inland sea, as he passes the watershed, especially when 
the surface of the lake, crisped into gentle waves by a light 
western breeze, reflects the deep blue of the upper sky, never 
fails to charm and surprise him. 

1 Vergent flags.— A rather flne-grained gray sandstone in thin layers, 
parted by their alternating bands of sliale. It abounds in marine vegeta- 
tion. 

2 Vergent shales.— A thiclJ mass of gray, blue, and olive-colored shales 
and gray-brown sandstone. The sandstone predominates in the upper 
part, where the shales contain many fossils. 



258 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

This inclined plane extends from Cattaraugus County, New 
York, to Sandusky Bay, being a slope consisting rather of a 
succession of low terraces, themselves a little inclined. These 
terraces are made by the outcropping of the strata, and are 
pai'allel with the lake shore. The average inclination of the 
surface is about thirty-three feet to a mile ; from eight or ten 
miles from the lake the downward sweep of the surface is 
much more rapid. 

This Lake Erie slope is bounded on the southeast border by 
an abrupt, low, broken wall or escarpment, which constitutes 
the verge of the bituminous coal region. Between the Clarion 
and Tionesta, and also extending across the river southwest 
toward Mercer and Beaver, it rises gradually toward the 
northwest. 

The rise of the Allegheny River, from Pittsburg to Franklin , 
does not exceed 755 feet, and the rise of French Creek, from 
its mouth to Meadville, is about 130 feet. The high dividing 
ridge which separates the waters of the Allegheny tributaries 
from Lake Erie crosses the New York State line near Colt's 
Station, where it is about 1,000 feet above the surface of the 
lake. It then passes in a straight line to Strong's on the turn- 
pike, ten miles from Erie, where it is from 850 to 875 feet above 
the lake level. From Strong's south westward it becomes less 
distinctly marked and much depressed, and is altogether lost 
previous to reaching Conneaut Creek. The summit of the 
Erie Extension Canal is at Conneaut Lake, and is little more 
than 500 feet above Lake Erie. 

From this dividing ridge there are four tolerably well- 
marked terraces to, and parallel with, the lake. These terraces 
are higher and better defined near the New York State line, 
and become much depressed on reaching Elk Creek and Fair- 
view townships, with the exception of the lower one, which 
extends into the State of Ohio. The streams which empt^^ into 
the lake frequently run within one of these terraces for a con- 
siderable distance before they find an opening through which 
they can pass to a lower level — thus. Walnut, Elk, and Con- 
neaut Creeks head very far to the east of their respective final 
outlets. 

Between Cattaraugus Creek and Sanduskj' Bay the whole 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 259 

lake coast displays only the upper or sandstone member of the 
flag formation, called in the New York Geological Survey the 
portage sandstones. This group of strata crossing Erie County 
in a southwest direction, almost precisely parallel with the 
bend of the lake coast, constitutes a belt ten or twelve miles in 
width, its upper limit pursuing the general watershed of the 
district. All the rocks between this line and the margin of 
the coal field are referable to the vergent shales. 

The vergent flag or sandstone formation, in the type which 
the group wears upon Lake Erie, would not be recognized in 
its lithological composition by those who are only familiar 
with it in the Appalachian valleys. In the eastern and cen- 
tral tracts of New York the whole formation is far more 
arenaceous, and the proportion of the sandstone layers to the 
shales, or more purely argillaceous beds, is much greater, the 
upper or terminal subdivision of the mass especially' contain- 
ing, with a large amount of thin bedded or flagy sandstone, a 
considei'able body of more massive strata. But advancing 
west the clayey element predominates, and in the belt of 
country bordering on Lake Erie but comparatively little true 
sandstone remains in the mass. The most arenaceous portion 
of the formation is even here near the top, and where well ex- 
posed, as it is in several places about eight miles south of the 
lake, where it is occasionally quarried, it may be recognized 
by its marine vegetation, and especially by a vertical stem- 
like form or species of scolithus. 

The vergent shales also on Lake Erie are more argillaceous, 
and the two formations approximate so nearly in couiposition, 
and even in their organic remains, that a separation is not 
practicable. 

The whole vergent mass between the lake and the coal rock 
is 1,900 feet thick, about 800 or 900 feet representing the thick- 
ness of the lower formation, and 1,000 or 1,100 the overlying 
vergent shales. The quarries near the road between Water- 
ford and Erie, at an elevation of 800 feet above the lake, in- 
dicate nearly the highest portion of the inferior group. It 
would appear from the researches of Prof. James Hall, that 
the total thickness of the vergent flag formation or portage 
group of New York, amounts, in the longitude of Chautauqua 



260 HISTORY OP ERIE COUNTY. 

Creek, to nearly 1,400 feet ; we are therefore to infer that in the 
region of Lake Erie some 500 or 600 feet of the formation are 
covered by its waters. 

Ripple marks, so abundant in the vergent flags, are numer- 
ous in Erie and Crawford Counties. Concretions of various 
shapes abound in the more calcareous varieties of the finer- 
grained clay shales, particularly those of the lower or flag 
group. The commonest forms are spheroids, generally much 
flattened, and often curiously lobed by the addition of fresh 
materials on one or more sides. When very calcareous, these 
are seamed with little veins of carbonate of lime, filling cracks 
in more central portions — they are, in other words, true 
sejytaria. 

Among the concretionary structures is one ^ which, from its 
singularity, and the doubts entertained by many in relation to 
its mode of origin, deserves a more special mention. It is the 
so-called " Cone-in-Cone " structure of the English geologist. 
In England it is met with occasionally in the finer shales and 
clay ironstones of the coal measures ; but in one vast series of 
formations it is nowhere seen but in this particular horizon, 
near the vergent flag formation. It usually occurs in flat 
cakes of hardened calcareous shale imbedded in soft, mealy 
shale, the conical structure occupying a thickness of one or 
two inches on one surface of the cake. Its position in the 
strata is near the lake shore, and perhaps the best localities for 
it in Erie County are at the mouth ot Sixteen Mile Creek, and 
at the Cascade near Erie ; but it is to be seen in a correspond- 
ing situation bordering on the lake at a great number of spots 
throughout the entire length of the formation, from Chautau- 
qua Creek in New York, to Cleveland in Ohio, and Prof. Hall 
speaks of it as abundant on the Genesee River. 

A minute inspection of the strata, as disclosed on the lake 
shore and in the ravines, shows the first two hundred feet to 
consist of blue and olive-colored soft, calcareous clay-shales, 
brown bituminous shale and slate, and their alternating layers 
of fine-grained gray calcareo-argillaceous sandstone. All 

1 This structure was first observed by Dr. Samuel L. Mitchell, a distin- 
guished geologist of Mew York, in 1827, and regarded by him with very 
great interest. His specimens were labeled "Argillaceous Schist of a 
peculiar conchoidal fracture." 



HISTOBY OF ERIE COUNTY. 261 

these materials are in their beds, and in constant alternation, 
their dimensions being from one fourth of an inch to twelve 
inches. The carbonaceous shales and slates are the thinnest. 
Some of the finer-grained shales extend with little change of 
thickness over very considerable areas, while other beds 
change their dimensions rapidly. The shales, but more 
especially the sandstones, are slightly calcareous. 

The level line of the shore enables us to detect, in the dip of 
the strata, a slight lateral or northeast and southwest undula- 
tion — but this feature is only local and inconspicuous. At the 
mouth of Elk Creek, and elsewhere, the strata exhibit even a 
very gentle dip toward the northwest ; and when examined, 
this feature is connected with a low anticlinal arching of the 
rocks, the axis of elevation being near the bridge, half a mile 
above the outlet of the stream, not far from Girard. If it were 
practicable thus to refer all the inclinations of the strata to a 
succession of horizons absolutely level, we should discover a 
vast succession of very low but broad and obscure anticlinals, 
conforming in their northeast and south-west trend to the flex- 
ures of the Appalachian chain, and indicating the last expir- 
ing swells in the crust transmitted with abating intensity 
across the broad bituminous coal region, from the enormous 
billows which lifted the Appalachian chain. 

Organic remains are rare in the strata near the side of the 
lake, but one slender layer, about three inches in thickness, 
occurring on the shore near the borough of Northeast, con- 
tains the little Avlcula S2')eciosa and Ungulina suborbicularia, 
the most abundant fossils of the formation. In other places 
tlie faces of the slabs of slate, especially when in contact with 
bituminous shale, are sometimes covered with fragments of 
plants, chiefly a delicate species of fucoid. 

Eight or ten miles back from the lake the terrace outcrops 
consist of thinlj^-laminated olive and brownish shales, alter- 
nating with flagy layers of sandstone. These latter become 
gradually more abundant as we ascend in the series. The 
thickest arenaceous beds measure in some places twelve or 
fifteen inches, and where a number of them occur together, 
with only thin partings of shale, the mass is quarried as a 
building material. 



262 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

A stratum of this kind appears about midway between Erie 
and Waterford, and has been quarried in an excavation 
known as Vincent's, about one mile west of the turnpike, the 
materials from it being used in the locks of the Erie extension 
of the Pennsylvania Canal. Near Elk Creek, at Elisha 
Smith's, east of Girard, and at Cranes' near Cranes' Mills, are 
the most extensive quarries of similar masses. It is seldom 
possible to trace a particular stratum of the sandstone for any 
considerable distance, for the beds soon thin off or deteriorate 
for economical uses, becoming too argillaceous. At an ele- 
vation of about 810 feet above the level of the lake there ap- 
pear, in the vicinity of Waterford, two or three thin layers of 
calcareous sandstone, abounding in marine organic remains, 
chiefly bivalve shells. These strata, easily recognized by the 
profusion of their imbedded fossils, are to be seen at White- 
man's, and also at Wilcox's, near the village, as likewise along 
the streams at the head waters of Le Bceuf and Elk Creeks — 
one locality being near the house of Martin Strong. The 
species are characteristic of the vergent newer shales, the Che- 
mung group of New York. 

Upon these fossiliferous beds rest several bands of sandstone, 
the layers being from six to twelve inches thick. These 
have been quarried for building-stone, but approaching 
Waterford they deteriorate. East of the village occurs a 
stratum of yellow sandstone, coarser than the beds of the for- 
mation generally, and differing from them in aspect. It has 
been quarried on the borders of French Creek, Mhere a good 
building material was obtained. At Smith's quarry the bed 
was about four feet thick. Upon it rest, first, thin bands of 
pebbly rock, the pebbles having the size of large shot ; sec- 
ondly, shale ; thirdly, two layers of hard silicious sandstone, 
sixteen inches thick, and above them slate and flaggy sand- 
stone. A similar section may be seen on the opposite side 
of the stream at A. Middleton's. 

In the Moravian quarry (near Waterford) the sandstone bed 
is not so thick. At Carrol's quarry it is from four to six feet 
in thickness, some thin layers of pebbly rock or coarse grit, 
and other sandstone resting over it, separated by only a few 
inches of shale. All these beds are embraced within a thick- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 263 

ness of ten or twelve feet. A little petroleum is found in all 
of these quarries. We have already seen that many of the 
clay shales are highly bituminous. 

The greater part of the surface of the northwest district is 
thinly strewed with Northern drift, and the valleys of all the 
principal streams are deeply filled with it, presenting some 
very instructive features in the forms of many bold terraces 
into which the waters have bi'ought it. 

Character of the Soil. — The cadent and vergent rocks, of 
which this northwest district consists, furnish by disintegra- 
tion a soil in which clay is the predominating ingredient. It 
may be denominated a cold, clayey loam, better suited for 
grazing than for growing wheat. That derived from the in- 
ferior, more argillaceous strata nearer the lake, is in many 
belts a stiff clay, while that into Avhich the sandy matter of 
the upper parts of the formation enters as an element is looser, 
and approximates to the character of a loam. A greater or 
less mixture of the materials of the Northern drift or trans- 
ported gravel, with the proper soil of the region, modifies the 
quality of the latter, and gives to many localities agricultural 
peculiarities which the subsequent rocks themselves could 
never impart. In nearly all the larger valleys the depth of 
the drift is such as to confer on them a soil abounding in 
gravel. Though this very heterogeneous covering contains 
pebbles and sand derived from the limestones which outcrop 
to the north and east of Lake Erie, mingled with the less fer- 
tile materials of the crystalline and silicious rocks yet farther 
north, and with the fragments of the underlying shales, a soil 
exists usually well adapted to the culture of wheat and the 
finer kinds of grain. 

The soil derived from the cadent and vergent rocks alone is 
too generally deficient in calcareous matter to possess a high 
degree of fertility, and, unfortunately for the domestic agri- 
cultural resources of the district, not a single bed or forma- 
tion of good limestone either within it or cheaply contiguous 
to it, contributes to the land the element which it chiefly needs. 
As, however, much good agricultural lime is procurable from 
the immediate coast of the lake toward its west end, there 
cannot be a doubt that ultimately connnerce, in her inexhaus- 



264 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

tible power to benefit, will be enlisted to convey the requisite 
quantity of this almost indispensable fertilizer not only to the 
coast of Ei'ie County, but by the canals, to all the contiguous 
regions toward the southeast. 

Calcareous Marl. — In the Pymatuning and Conueaut 
swamps there are shallow but rather extensive deposits of a 
soft calcareous tufa and shell-marl, the possible value of which 
to the agricultui'e of the surrounding districts is not enough 
appreciated. This is in Crawford County. Thus far we have 
cited the State geologist. 

In Erie County, at Beaverdam, west of Union, thirty years 
ago, marl was burned for lime ; and at Walnut Creek, quite 
recently, lime of the best quality was manufactured. At the 
Sink-hole, in Waterford, we have reason to suppose the quan- 
tity of shell-marl inexhaustible. ' Many cords of hard blue 
limestone were quarried in excavating the canal in Erie. The 
very superior quality of the wheat produced in the vicinity of 
the lake confirms Prof. Roger's statement, that lime exists in 
the sand and pebbles. It is sometimes too, observed in bricks, 
in their disruption w^hen the lime slackens. 

For several years the blast furnace of Vincent, Himrod & 
Co. was stocked principally with Erie County bog ore. - It 
was brought from Laird's farm, Nicholson's, Elk Creek, etc., 
in the western part of the county. Near Cranesville there is 
a bed which is burned and used as a mineral paint. The ore 
yielded from fifteen to twenty, and sometimes even sixty per 
cent of iron — some was found to be one-fifth limestone. At 
the time the furnace discontinued operations, the supply 
of ore was supposed to be exhausted. 

Coal in small quantities has been found, and also sulphate 
of alumina compounded with the sulphate of iron, from which 

1 Prof. Austin, of the Waterford Academy, put the marl to the test, and 
found it to be composed principally of lime; and adds, "the time will 
come when it will be extensively used as a fertilizer, and it can be burned 
so as to form lime— but the lime will not be as good as if obtained from 
some other source." 

2 As a proof of the quality of the metal, we find in the Erie Gazette, 18-13: 
" An inspection of 1200 32-pound shot was made by the navy agent, at the 
Presqu'ile Foundery, from Erie County ore, and a contract was finished 
with governnient for 300 8-inch shot and 7,000 32-pounders, part of which 
were shipped for Buffalo and Sackett's Harbor." 

Many years ago considerable quantities were shipped at Massassaqu6 
for a small furnace in Conneaut, Ohio. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 265 

the alura of commerce is derived. Salt springs have been dis- 
covered in various places, but probably not of sufficient 
strength to^justify the erection of works for the manufacture 
of salt. 

Petroleum. — Boring for oil has been prosecuted in different 
parts, as yet not with any marked success. The well of C. 
McSpai'ren, in the southeastern part of the town, reached the 
depth of 200 feet, niostlj' through rock. An abundance of gas 
was found, but the work has ceased for the present. In Sum- 
mit township, Mr. C. Fronce bored a well on a branch of Le 
Boeuf Creek to the depth of 200 feet without finding oil in pay- 
ing quantities. Afterward, near Strong's Mill, at a depth of 
157 feet, a vein which it w^as thought would yield ten barrels 
per day was found. P. G. Stranahan drilled 200 feet in Union ; 
and on Sturgeon's farm, at Fairi)lains, 100 feet through a 
stratum of coal four feet in thickness. Near the Springfield 
Depot, on the Cleveland and Erie Road, boring has been com- 
menced. Nearly a dozen companies are now prosecuting the 
business in Conneaut township, on the banks of Marsh Run. 
Oil was found in that region twenty years ago, and collected 
for medicinal purposes, and in quarrying stone the workmen 
found it in small pools among the rocks. An old salt well 
which had been opened forty years ago, in Wellsburg, having 
become filled with rubbish, was cleaned, and jets of oil were 
thrown at three different times. This is on the east branch 
of Conneaut Creek. A company with a cash capital of $1,000 
was formed in February, 1861,' at Waterford, to drill in that 
neighborhood, and in Erie one hundred Germans formed an 
association with a capital of 110,000, and immediately com- 
menced operations on Ninth Street. 

The Germans carried on this work and drilled four hundred 
feet. On February 26, 1862, they struck a vein of gas which 
threw the water twenty feet into the air. About 9:30 
the proprietor, Mr. Athof, and eight others visited the well 
to examine, carrying a lighted lantern. When they were 
within a few feet of the derrick, the gas took fire, and the whole 
party were more or less injured and one survived but a few 
hours. 

Several mineral springs have been discovered — a burning 



266 



HISTORY OP ERIE COUNTY. 



sulphur spring on the farm of Mr. Knox, south of the town, 
at one time claimed attention and excited much curiosity. 
Another burning spring is found on the Ohlwiler farm, on 
Six Mile Creek. A mineral spring on the ground formerly 
owned by P. P. Glazier, on Eighth Street, was, in 184:0, im- 
proved and fitted up with baths for the benefit of invalids. 

A specimen of the water was sent for analysis to Prof, 
Booth, of Philadelj^hia. His experiments on one gallon of 
60,000 grains resulted as follows : — 



Chloride of potassium 20.56 

sodium 110.16 

" magnesium 45.36 

•' calcium 8.88 

iron 2.88 

Sulphate of lime 11.68 



Carbonate of lime 19.12 

" magnesia 0.96 

" iron 1.44 

Silica 0.48 

Total insoluble 22.00 



Total soluble matter 199.52 

Prof. Booth explains insoluble matter to mean " the residue, 
which will not redissolve in pure water after evaporation to 
dryness. The carbonates in the insoluble portion are held in 
solution in the spring water by a small quantity of carbonic 
acid which escapes during the evaporation." 

He adds: "It appears from the analysis that the spring 
water is of excellent quality and bears comparison with many 
European springs which have attained some celebrity." The 
waters have been successfully tried by invalids ; but the prem- 
ises are now out of repair, and the water not to be obtained in 
its purity and strength. 

The unforseen and repeated sinking of the Philadelphia and 
Erie track, at Le Boeuf swamp, near Waterford, attracted 
nmch attention during the construction of that road, and 
elicited the following statement in substance from Mr. R. 
Andrews, one of the engineers. When the location was made, 
the surface, excepting in a few places, appeared firm and 
hard. Le Boeuf swamp, in which the sinking occurred, is 
between two large mounds designated as the north and 
south mounds, as they lie in that course with the railroad. 
The level is about four feet higher than Le Bceuf Creek. The 
surface soil is mostly made up of vegetable mould, varying 
from three to seven feet in thickness, for the distance of 38,000 
feet. The line of the railroad is perfectly straight through 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 267 

this swamp, and the height of the bank above it averages 
five feet. 

The grading of the railroad was begun in 1856, at both ends, 
and after mailing 100 feet of the bank near the south mound it 
tirst showed symptoms of settling, and went from bad to 
worse as the bank receded from the mound. At the north 
end better progress was made, and there were no indications 
that any settling would take place. When the work on the 
road was stopped, in 1857, 1,000 feet were made on the north 
end, and 175 on the south. 

In 1858 the work was resumed, but little progress was made 
until January, 1859, when the efficient and energetic con- 
tractors, Russel, Barnet & Co., took charge. Soundings were 
made vinder the direction of the engineer through the swamp, 
the length of which, by previous advancement, was reduced 
to 2,600 feet. At the south mound no bottom could be found 
for a distance of 300 feet — an iron rod having been made thirty- 
flve feet in length for the purpose. The soundings for the re- 
maining 1,300 feet averaged from 1 to 25 feet, striking a good 
gravel bottom. The penetration of the rod in most places 
through the crust was somewhat hard ; but when through, it 
passed readily to the gravel. 

There is every indication that at one time this was a large 
lake, and that it has become filled up by drift, logs, etc., 
which, by decay and vegetable matter decomposing, has 
formed the " crust" alluded to. For some time the two sides 
settled very materially, but particularly the one on the south, 
consuming an immense quantity of earth. 

The height of the bank (as ascertained from a formula, the 
amount of yards put in and the distance made being known) 
is 55 feet, thus making a fill of this height when the original 
section called for only 6 feet. Some idea may be formed of 
the amount of work required to complete the south end, from 
the following calculation based on actual measurement : "In 
the month of February 7,500 yards were put in and only 
gained 30 feet. Had the swamp not settled, and with the 
original section, this amount of earth would have made some- 
thing over three fourths of a mile. The settling is very grad- 
ual, and when the bank once ceases to settle, it never varies 



268 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

afterward.^ A portion made up to grade iu 1857 has not set- 
tled an inch, thus guaranteeing a good and safe bank, though 
a costly one. 

" Large night forces were put on this work — 200 men, 20 
cars, and 18 horses worked day and, night as faithfully as pos- 
sible. It presented a lively appearance at night to see the 
fires and lanterns strung along the banks, and to hear the 
voices of the men, and the rumbling noise of the cars breaking 
the peaceful quietude." 

To those in the vicinity who had never before witnessed 
earth sivallotv earth, or suspected an old lake under cover, with 
its gravel bottom forty feet below, it must have been a matter 
of very great suri^rise. 

Near Union a similar but smaller sinkhole was found ; and 
also at Hartstown, Crawford County, on the canal, one of 
twice the extent of the one at Waterford. 

Meadows in the West have broken through and sunk, while 
others have been so like a spring floor that the weight of a 
cart was never hazarded upon them, but the harvest secured 
by long pitchforks. "All belong to a class of which there 
are myriads in the drift region of North America. The largest 
Superior, and others that scarcely hold a gallon, as to supply 
and position, are to be accounted for in exactly the same man- 
ner." 

The Devil's Backbone. — About three and a half miles south- 
east from the borough of Girard is a most remarkable place, 
which deserves a better name than " The Devil's Backbone." 
The country is very romantic and extremely hilly, rising ap- 
parently to a very great height. Reaching the farm of Mr. 
Blair, one of the first settlers, the drive is along the edge of a 
fearful ravine, the road lying frightfully near, and but for the 
thick growth of trees on its border would be absolutely dan- 
gerous. Leaving the horses and carriage, a walk of a few 
moments opens to view a magnificent prospect. Beneath, ap- 
pears a large hollow, the precipitous sides of which, as well as 
the bank beyond, are covered with magnificent forest trees. 
In the middle of this rises the " Backbone," a ridge of sand 

1 This treacherous swamp occasioned difliculty after tlie cars commenced 
running. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 269 

and slate one hundred feet in height, with a base of but sixty 
feet. This is two hundred feet in length, one side being 
partly covered with trees, while the other is entirelj' bare. 
The top of the back, which is from one to twelve inches in 
width, is a narrow but rather dangerous walk, but affords a 
view truly grand, Elk Creek being around the point and on 
both sides having worn its bed through the soil to a vei'y great 
depth. The abrupt height of the ridge, its narrow base, the 
deep bed of the stream, with the beauty of the surrounding 
scenery, compose the extraordinary landscape. 

Half a mile distant is another pyraiuidal ridge covered with 
grass, not so high or peculiar, called the "Nose." Here 
there are forks in the creek, and the whole is wild and pic- 
turesque. 

The description is miserably unjust, but none could be fully 
adequate — in the worn out words, " it must be seen to be truly 
appreciated." 

As to the flora of this region, we cannot do better than to 
quote a few words of Prof. L. G. Olmstead : "We 
consider the county and immediate vicinity of Erie by 
far the best botanizing district with which we are ac- 
quainted throughout a large district of country. We have 
upon the peninsula a very great variety of plants, many of 
which are not found on the main land, but are common only 
to Western prairies. The marshes, ponds, bogs, etc., afford a 
great variety of marsh and aquatic plants. 

"Among the plants that some of our best florists would 
travel many miles to see, are the Saracenia purpurea or pitcher 
plant ; several varieties of Potamogeton, which are aquatic ; 
Batschia canescens, Enchococinea, found on the Westex'n 
prairies ; Hydopeltis purpurea, and several species of Utricu- 
laria." 

The sweetbrier, which has been much admired and particu- 
larly' adorns the green banks of the lake in the western part 
of the town, is not, like the wild rose, indigenous, the first 
plant having been brought from Carlisle, by Gen. Kelso. 
Some specimens of the double sweetbrier have been found on 
the Peninsula. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Miscellaneous Items, among which are : A Tradition — General 
Wayne — An Anecdote — Price of Provisions — William W. Reed, 
Esq. — First National Celebration — Churches — The Garrison — A 
Belie — Saturday Afternoon — Game — Mrs. P.^s Poniniscences — H. 
Pussei\9 Journal — A71 early Settler in Fairview — La Fayette's 
Visit in Erie — Cholera — Perry Monumeyit — An Informal Meeting 
— Speculation — Fires — Sad A ccidents — Ex-President Adams — 
Patriot War — Old Courthouse Bell — Pioneers — Perry— Lieutenant 
Yarnall — Survivors of the Battle of Lake Erie — Perry Monument 
at Cleveland — Inventions — Moravian Lands — Omissions. 

A Tradition. — The Eries were alarmed when they heard of 
the confederation of the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, 
Cayugas, and Senecas residing in Central New York, and re- 
garded them as natural enemies. To satisfy themselves, they 
sent a message to the Senecas, who resided neai'est to them, 
inviting them to select one hundred of their naost active, 
athletic men to play a game of ball against the same number 
selected from the Eries, for a wager worthy of the occasion 
and nation. 

The message was received in the most respectful manner, 
but the challenge declined. The next year the offer was re- 
newed and again declined. At the third offer, the young 
Iroquois could be no longer restrained, the wise councils 
which had hitherto prevailed were set aside, and the challenge 
accepted. After the selection, the party being the flower of 
the tribe, a most solemn charge was given them to acquit 
themselves as the worthy representatives of a great and power- 
ful people, anxious to cultivate peace and friendship with 
neighboring tribes. The party then took up the line of march 
for Tu-shu-way (Buffalo), sent a messenger to notify the Eries 
of their approach, and the next day made a grand entree. 
They brought no weapon. The bat was a hickory stick, 
about five feet long, bent over at the end, and thong netting 

270 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 271 

woven into a bow. Their wager, which was matched by the 
Eries, consisted of piles of elegant wampum, costly jewels, 
silver bands, and beautifully ornamented moccasins. The 
game began, and though contested with desperation and great 
skill by the Eries, the Iroquois bore off the prize in triumph. 
The Iroquois having accomplished the object of their visit were 
about to return, when the Eries proposed a foot race between 
ten of their number, at " Kanswans " or Eighteen Mile Creek. 
The victor in the race was to dispatch his advei'sary with a 
tomahawk and bear off his scalp as a trophy. This the Iro- 
quois accepted, secretly intending to waive the bloody part of 
the proposition should their tribe be victors. The Eries were 
again vanquished, but the Iroquois declined to execute their 
victim. At this the chief of the Eries came forward, and, 
quick as thought, himself dispatched the vanquished warrior, 
who was dragged out of the way and another champion placed 
in his stead. This was three times repeated, and the Iroquois 
seeing the great excitement that prevailed, made a signal to 
depart, and, gathering up their trophies, proceeded home- 
ward. 

The Eries knew no mode of securing peace but by the ex- 
termination of their enemies ; it being no part of their charac- 
ter to cultivate and strengthen friendship. They knew to 
contend with them collectively would be useless. Immedi- 
ately they organized a powerful party of warriors — hoping to 
be an equal match to their powerful neighbors by surprising 
the Seneeas, who resided on Seneca Lake. But a woman re- 
siding among them who had a stronger interest in the Iro- 
quois, secretly gave them warning, and five thousand war- 
riors were organized and marched out to meet them. The 
two parties met at Honeoye, where a bloody and desper- 
ate battle was fought. The Eries were driven seven times 
across the stream and as often regained their ground. But a 
few of the vanquished Eries escaped to convey the news of 
their terrible overthrow, and these were pursued, and all tliat 
fell into the enemies' hands put to death. For weeks the pur- 
suit was continued, and it was five months before the victo- 
rious party of the five nations returned with their trophies, 
having subdued their last and most powerful enemies. Tra- 



272 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

dition adds that the descendants of the Eries returned from 
beyond the Mississippi and attacked the Senecas, then settled 
in the seat of their fathers, Tu-shu-way ; and that a great bat- 
tle was fought, and the Eries slain to a man, near the site of 
the (Cattaraugus) Indian Missionhouse. 

General Wayne. — The following newspaper article, by Rev. 
L. G. Olnistead, is copied partly for the purpose of adding a 
word of explanation in reference to the disinterment of Gen. 
Wayne, at Erie, in 1809 : 

" On arriving at Erie, he (Colonel Isaac Wayne) emploj^ed 
' Old Dr. Wallace,' so called to distinguish him from the 
present Dr. Wallace, to take up his father's remains, pack the 
boxes in as small a space as possible and lash them on to the 
hinder part of his sulky. Dr. Wallace took up the remains and 
found them in a perfect state of preservation, except one foot. 
The body had been buried in full uniform, and the boot on the 
decayed foot was also decayed, while the other boot remained 
sound, and a man by the name of Duncan had a mate to it 
and wore them out. Duncan's foot, like the general's, was 
very large. Dr. Wallace cut and boiled the flesh off the 
bones, packed them in a box, lashed them to the caiTiage, and 
they were brought and deposited beside the rest of his family 
in the above named churchyard. 

" I visited Gen. Wayne's old residence in the summer of 
1857, and found everything much as he had left it. The 
house is an elegant, old two-story mansion, now occupied by 
his grandson. The parlors and sitting-rooms are as they 
were. There are portraits and engravings of men of the Rev- 
olution, hanging on the walls, as on the 3d of April, 1792, 
when he was appointed to the command of the Western army. 
Around the house and over the farm, while the fences and 
buildings are in a good condition, yet they assured me it is 
about as he left it. Everything appeared as though it had be- 
longed to a gentleman of the old school, a race now said to be ex- 
tinct. The premises looked, and I felt, as though the old hero, 
whose very name was once a terror to the murderous red man, 
might be expected back in an hour or so, and a dreamy im- 
pression seemed to steal over me that if I waited a little I 
should see him. I should have liked much to have questioned 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 273 

him about Three Rivers, and Brandywine, and Germantown, 
and Monmouth, and Stony Point, and Yorktown, and the 
Indians, and liow the city appeared when she was only a year 
old. And I seemed to hold my breath and listen as many an 
old Indian had done, for his footsteps and his fearful oaths ; 
yet he did not come, and I passed on some three miles to his 
final resting place." 

G. Sanford, who came to Erie in 1810, and was well ac- 
quainted with Dr. J, C. Wallace, heard him more than once 
allude to this circumstance. Mr. Sanford's impression is that 
Col. Wayne put up at Buehler's hotel, and did not visit the 
grave of his father, but sent for Dr. Wallace and made known 
the object of his visit, requesting him to superintend the re- 
moval and place the remains in a suitable condition for the 
journey. Dr. Wallace was a skillful surgeon of the army and 
a man of the first standing, and Col. Wayne could not have 
selected a more suitable person to carry out his design. Both 
must have supposed the body, thirteen years after death, to 
have returned to corruption. That Dr. Wallace pursued the 
wisest course the nature of the case would admit of, none who 
knew him would for a moment doubt. As a military man he 
was accustomed to obey orders, but it was with his operations 
as with other surgeons, not always an agreeable subject to dis- 
cuss minutely. 

An Anecdote. — The details of the first year's residence of 
a wealthy citizen of the county who settled near Waterford, 
present a model of patience and industry worthy of study 
and imitation. On landing, one of the few settlers offered 
him employment in going to the woods to split puncheons, for 
which he was to have fifty cents a day. This occupation con- 
sists in splitting fair chestnut logs two or three times and 
smoothing them with an axe, to be used as a substitute for 
boards in making a fioor. After a week of hard work at the 
puncheons (with hoeing potatoes before breakfast added), 
reckoning day came, and he found he was charged seventy- 
five cents per day for board ! Legal redress was not to be 
thought of, as there was no law this side of Pittsburg, which 
was then almost as difficult of access as Pike's Peak. He tied 
up his effects in his yellow cotton handkerchief, and was aboi^t 



274 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

starting, when his employer called out, " Where did you split 
the puncheons ? " (He had been called " the green Yankee.") 
" You call me green, and I am ; but not green enough to tell 
you that ! " was the spirited reply. 

(Many years after he saw the decayed puncheons on the 
spot where he left them, near the site of the courthouse). 

The settler then walked six or eight miles to the location of a 
farmer, and, finding no warrant upon the tract adjoining him, 
he secured it, and immediately put in a crop of potatoes. 
These, when the size of birds' eggs, he used for food, for he 
had no other. In November the potatoes were gone, and after 
having scooped out a log for a canoe, he floated down the 
river, seeking employment. At Pittsburg no engagement 
offering, he put himself up at auction, at the market, pro- 
claiming from a horseblock, that he " could do any work that 
any other man could do," and a Dutchman gave him a bid of 
three dollars a month and board. (This time he was careful 
to mention the board). Here he remained three months, and 
was offered for the future three dollars and fifty cents per 
month, but he paid out his nine dollars for a barrel of flour 
and iioled himself up to Waterford ; from this he carried his 
flour, thirty pounds at a time, to his farm three miles distant. 

Price of Provisions, etc. — Among Esquire Rees's papers we 
find a bill dated 1792, "For services in viewing the county, 
$193.43." Another, " To Indians for hunting, §50." 

Other accounts, dated 1797, show provisions at the following 
prices : Potatoes, 12 shillings per bushel ; corn 16 shillings ; 
oats, 12 shillings ; wheat, 20 shillings per bushel ; pork, §30 
per barrel ; sugar, 33 cents ; loaf sugar, 87 cents per pound, 
etc. 

In 1813-14 provisions commanded a still higher price ; corn 
$4, and oats §3 per bushel. 

The first white man born in the "Triangle" was William 
W. Reed, son of John C. Reed, and grandson of Col. S. Reed, 
in Erie, February 20, 1797. He became a merchant in Ashta- 
bula, Ohio, but had resided in Erie a few years previous to his 
decease, September 9, 1851. 

The First Celibration of our National Independence recorded 
was the Fourth of July, 1797, near Colt's Station. Mr. Colt 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 275 

says : "Tuesday being the twenty -second anniversary of the 
Independence of America, at the expense of tlie Pennsylvania 
Population Company we gave an entertainment to about 
seventy-five people, settlers of the said company. A bower was 
erected under two large maple trees, and when the hearts of 
the people were cheered with good fare, sundry toasts were 
drunk suitable to the occasion. After I had withdrawn, one 
James Crawford oflfered the following : ' May Judah Colt, 
agent of the Population Company, drive the intruders before 
him as Samson did the Philistines ! Three cheers ! ' and the 
woods rang with a roar of laughter for some time." ' 

P/rs< Coi<r^.— When the circuit court met for the first time 
in the county, several of the citizens rode out to escort Judge 
Yates into town, but were disappointed in not meeting him. 
The court met in a room rented by the commissioners, on 
French Street, between Second and Third Streets. As the 
first day was election day, business was postponed, and in the 
afternoon, in honor of the judge and strangers, a large sailing 
party of ladies and gentlemen went over to the peninsula. 

Churches. — Previous to 1811 there was seldom church to at- 
tend, but the few who could do so conveniently would ride to 
Fairview or Northeast, where were church organizations and 
settled pastors at an early day. Among the itinerants at a 
later day was Rev. Mr. Judd, who periodically, for several 
years, held meetings in Col. Forster's vacant room, on the cor- 
ner of French and Fifth streets. He was esteemed a man of 
zeal and strong faith, but somewhat eccentric ; having been 
connected with the Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist 
churches, he M-as now free from all ecclesiastical rule. In the 
selection of elders, with him piety was of no account — in- 
fluence was the indispensable qualification. Hence, his men 
in Erie were Captain Deacon, the commanding officer. Purser 
Carr, and Mr. Reed the wealthiest citizen. On one occasion, 
after reading the hymn, no one appeared " to raise the tune," 
and he remarked that he wished "Captain Deb. was there, 
and she could do it," meaning his wife. He then asked if 
there was not some lady who would undertake it, when one 

I This refers to " actual settlers," and not Indians, as the agent often had 
perils in dispossessing them. 



276 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

kindly volunteered, and in due time all went on in a becom- 
ing and reverential manner. 

An anecdote is related which shows the class of people our 
ministers had to deal with, even long after this. On one oc- 
casion the parson thought proper to exclude from the com- 
munion one of his members who had been guilty of intemper- 
ance, by the name of Folwell. In consequence of this a near 
connection came to thrash the parson. After the matter had 
been discussed, and the irritated avenger (who, for the preach- 
er's eye, had not been able to execute his threat) being some- 
what I'estored to reason, he exclaimed, "Faith, sir, and when 
ye come till heaven ye'll find the Folwells theerP'' With this 
ultimatum of his rage he departed. 

At an early day the garrison seemed to be the general resort 
for citizens and strangers, an officer of the army having com- 
mand until about 1806. At the time Gen. Wayne's remains 
were removed, in 1809, and previously. Captain D. Dobbins 
was residing in the large building, in the center of the ground, 
erected for the commanding officer ; one of the gates was down 
and the works were going to decay. Gen. Wayne, when he 
was landed in an almost dying state, chose to be tenanted in 
the upper part of the east block house. It seems the attics of 
the three were fitted up as dwellings. We have mentioned 
elsewhere that these block houses were on the east side of the 
creek, and built in 1795 for the protection of the State Com- 
missioners, General William Irvine and Andrew Ellicot, who 
were laying out the town. Captain John Grubb brought on a 
militia force at the time.^ The names of the officers who com- 
manded at different times were Captain Russel Bissel, in 1797 ; 
Captain Cornelius Lyman, until 1801 ; Captain McCall, and 
Gen. Callender Irvine. Captain Lyman is described as a per- 
fect gentleman, notwithstanding which he was court-martialed 
in Erie, in 1798, for a want of hospitality (in what particular in- 
stance is not recorded), but was honorablj' acquitted. In 1801 
(Mr. Colt notes), " Col. Hamtramek arrived from Pittsburg, 
on his way to Detroit. On entering the garrison a salute from 
the fort, of sixteen guns, was fired, and also one from the 

1 Captain Grubb was a worthy citizen. He received tlie appointment of 
Associate Judge about 1813, and resided on his farm in Mill Creek until 
his death in June, 1815. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY, 277 

United States armed vessel Wilkeson, in the harbor ; at tlie 
same time a large brig from Fort Erie, of two hundred tons, 
came in." In April, 1802,^1 ball was given at the garrison, 
which, Mr. Colt remarks, " was a very agreeable affair." 

A Relic. — In 1804 or 1805 an iron cannon, a three pounder, 
was found by Gen. Kelso, near the Cascade, partly imbedded 
in sand. The probability is that it belonged to the French. 
At the time of their occupation, and previously, there was a 
road on the sand beach, and in transporting stores this might 
have been for some reason abandoned. Gen. K. or his heirs 
disposed of it many years ago to a citizen of Black River, 
Ohio. 

In a number of the newspaper Mirror, of 1808, we find that 
the sum of forty-two dollars was paid William Davidson for 
clearing the public square. 

It has been remarked of Mill Creek, that in 1810 it contained 
four times the quantity of water that it does at present and 
was quite a large turbulent stream, and about Third Street 
there was quite a pretty cascade. The gradual diminution of 
streams has been remarked in all new countries. It is sup- 
posed to be the result of increased evaporation occasioned by 
the removal of trees, and also by the plowed ground, which 
absorbs large quantities of water. 

Saturday Afternoon. — An early custom prevailed in Erie 
that must have been highly unpopular with some — that of 
calling out every man on Saturday afternoon to dig out 
stumps in the streets. This was before 1810. 

There was an ordinance also compelling citizens to dig three 
stumps from the highivays of the town as a j)unishment for 
every bacchanal revel they engaged in. This ordinance was 
repealed at an informal meeting held in front of the Reed 
House, in June, 1846, the principal object being in congratula- 
tion of the puplic benefit received by the adornment of the 
public square with trees, and when it received the name of 
Perry Square. 

As to game, the early settlers found an abundance of deer, 
rabbits, foxes, squirrels, opossums, etc. As late as 1804, Mr. 
Hamlin Russel enters in his journal : "January 1 — Cloudy 
morning ; clears off ; hunt bears, wolves, panthers, wild cats, 



278 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

etc." Pautlaers are not often spoken of in Erie County. In 
Buffalo we liear of one being shot, in 1827, one mile and a half 
from the present courthouse. 

In 1808 are to be found, among county expenditures, $80 
paid for wolf scalps. The bounty was probably $10 per head — 
afterward, for many years, it was $12. The few scalps pre- 
sented for bounty at that early day indicate the sparseness of 
the population and their want of leisure for such pursuits. 
In 1813 Mr. Russel lost four sheep by wolves. In 1828 sheep 
could not be kept at Colt's Station on account of their frequent 
visits : $72.74 was paid by the county for scalps in 1834, $85.90 
in 1836. 

Probably the last of the wild cat species in the county was 
shot by Mr. Abram Knapp, at Lake Pleasant, in 1857. 

A copy of the Erie Gazette^ dated August, 1820, has the fol- 
lowing advertisement : 

"^ Hunting ive will go ! — A party of gentlemen intend go- 
ing to the head of the peninsula, on Wednesday morning 
next, if fair — if not, the next fair morning — for the purpose of 
forming a line across it at the head and marching abreast 
down to the point, where boats will be stationed to follow 
game that may take to the water. A meeting will be held on 
Monday evening next at the courthouse, for the purpose of 
making the necessary arrangements." 

Foxes are still abundant. J. W. Silverthorn shot twenty 
in the neighborhood of Girard, in the winter of 1861, and many 
other sportsmen were quite successful in the same way. 

In 1862 several minks were found and solci as high as 14 
shillings a piece. 

Mrs. P.'s Jieininiscences. — Mrs. P., who remembers Erie in 
1803, says : The pickets were standing around parts of old 
Fort Presqu'ile at that time. A ruined, peculiar looking 
house of stone and timber was also standing, and near by 
was a very deep well, Indian beads and other relics were 
found on the ground. 

When the fleet was building, a small party returned from 
the peninsula very greatly excited, maintaining that thej- 
had seen three British spies, in red coats, and made oath to 
the fact before a magistrate. As fears were entertained of the 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 279 

destruction of the vessels while building, the militia were called 
out until the square was filled. The Burgess thought advis- 
able, before proceeding further, to send over and make a strict 
search, which was accordingly done, and nothing found to 
j ustify the story unless it might be that three red oxen were 
there quietly feeding. 

Soon after Buffalo was burned, an express came with the 
news that the British were eighteen miles west of Buffalo, on 
their way to destroy Erie and the fleet. Merchants removed 
their wares, and the greatest consternation prevailed. Fam- 
ilies were called up at midnight, and, hastily packing their 
furniture and goods, fled from the lake, and many of them 
remained absent until spring. The most anxious fears were 
from the Indians, who had perpetrated such cruelties at Buf- 
falo. Commodore Elliot was, through the whole, firm in the 
the opinion that the town and fleet were sufficiently iDrotected. 
The young people were very much amused, during such ex- 
citements, by the conduct of the militia, as well as by their 
uniforms, which were made up of every variety of borrowed 
and inherited garments and nonfits. Some went so far as to 
maintain that they protected the town after the manner of 
scarecrows, and that they were nuisances second only to the 
British themselves. 

In the Journal of Mr. Hamlin Bussel, of Mill Creek, is the 
following : 

"June, 1812.— Gen. Kelso ordered Captain Foot to call out 
his company of infantry for the defense of Erie. (Hamlin 
Russel volunteered). 

"6th. — On duty. This day the general dismissed our com- 
pany ; so, for the present, myself and a number of my neigh- 
bors have volunteered to keep sentry at the head of the penin- 
sula, three by rotation to stand a tour of twenty-four hours ; 
my tour will commence on the eighth instant. 

"August 25. — Expresses were sent through the county to 
call out the militia — a number of vessels being seen, apprehen- 
sions were entertained that a descent would be made at this 
place. I went to town, as did all the country ; there heard 
the disagreeable information that General Hull had sur- 
rendered himself and army prisoners to the British, together 



280 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

with the post of Detroit. The general voice pronounces Hull 
a traitor. 

" May 15, 1813.— Go to town ; a great alarm ; 600 or 700 
British and Indians land on the peninsula under cover of a 
thick fog, and go off again without being seen by any one. 

" July 26, P. M. — . . . Our harbor closely blockaded by 
the British vessels ; the militia of this county are ordered out 
en masse. 

" December 31. — Thus ends the year 1813, in which the war 
has been carried on in a manner becoming Democracy ; Wil- 
kinson's army is defeated and driven out of Canada, and likely 
to starve this winter ; Fort George is evacuated ; the enemy 
have burned Lewistown and Schlossei', surprised and taken 
Fort Niagara without the loss of a man, and still retain pos- 
session of it. Hurrah for Democracy ! 

"January 1, 1814. — Go to town ; there learn that Thursday 
last the British crossed at Black Rock, drove the militia be- 
fore them to the village of Buffalo, and then drove them 
out of the village, which they reduced to ashes. Re- 
port says that the enemy, 3,000 strong, are eight miles in ad- 
vance of Buffalo, on the march for this place ; the citizens of 
Erie are sending off their families and effects as fast as pos- 
sible. Come home ; make preparations to send off my wife 
and babes, should worst come to worst. 

"Sunday, 2.— . . . Find that it is not true that the 
enemy are advancing to this, but in all probability they Avill 
be here, or attempt to come, before spring (on the ice) ; ex- 
presses sent off in every direction to call in the militia. 

"3d. — Receive orders from Lieutenant-Colonel J. C. Wallace 
to appear immediately at Erie to perform the duties of my 
office in the regiment. 

" February 7. — Receive my discharge from my tour and come 
home, having been engaged thirty-four days, during which I 
have been at home but seldom, and never but a few hours at a 
time, and expect now to be ordered out again shortly. 

" May 18, 1815.— Went to Martin Strong's ^ to the battalion 

\ 

1 Captain JNIartin Strong was one of the earliest inhabitants. In a letter 
we find that he came to this county the last of July, 1795, when there was 
but one family in the Triangle. Captain .Strong was not only one of our 
most prominent citizens, but a man of excellent sense. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 281 

review ; 200 or 300 bludgeoniers met ; hawed and geed about 
under as brave officers as ever raised potatoes. Hurrah for the 
militia of Pennsj-lvania ! " [At this early day mihtiameu 
practiced with broomsticks, handspikes, etc., the proper 
weapons often not being obtainable.] 

Reminiscences of an Early Settler in Fairvieiv Township 
areas follows: "In 1810 my father bought a four-hundred 
acre tract of land in Fairview, ten miles west of Erie and one 
mile and a half south of the ridge road, of Jacob Ebersole, for 
five dollars per acre, on which were two cabins of round logs 
so near to each other that it was considered but one dwelling, 
the space between the two being the hall. There was also 
what was considered a large barn in those days. About fifty 
acres were partially cleared, much deadened timber yet stand- 
ing in the fields, and some peach and apple trees. The near- 
est neighboi's were of the names of Vance, James Moorhead, 
John Long, John Stewart, and Jacob Wise, all within the 
bounds of three miles, Mhich was then considered near neigh- 
bors. Many of their descendants reside on the same lands, 
which have become quite valuable. 

" It was seldom in those days that two improved lots joined 
each other ; generally, ihey w^ere divided or separated by at 
least a strip of woodland. The dwellings were rude log cabins 
which in many instances were taken from the forest and 
erected into a dwelling in the space of two days, by the assist- 
ance of the neighbors. Some would be engaged cutting down 
trees, while others would be hauling together, building, split- 
ting clapboards for the roof or puncheons for the floor, and 
thus a tenement would be completed speedily, and with but 
few nails or boards. 

"Our crops were often injured by the depredations of bears, 
raccoons, deer, and wild turkeys, which were numerous. 

"Our house of worship was near the mouth of Walnut 
Creek — the Rev. Johnson Eaton, pastor." 

Memoranda of Mr. Richard i?arne«.—" August 26, 1845.— 
Oppressively hot and dry ; the Beaverdam Run dry in many 
places, which was never known before by the oldest inhab- 
itants. [Beaverdam Run empties into Walnut Creek.] 

"January 5, 1847.— A terrific storm of wind passed over 



282 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Fairview, and leveled fences, roofs, sheds, etc., and a great 
many trees. 

"December 16, 1850. — Steamboat May Flower beached above 
the mouth of Elk Creek, 

"December 31, 1852. — A steamboat passed up the lake. Jan- 
uary 10, 1853, another passes up. March 21, steamboat com- 
menced running ; navigation open most of the winter." 

Gen. La Fayette's Visit to Erie. — On the 3d of June, 1825, 
Gen. La Fayette, on his way from New Orleans to New York, 
honored Erie with a stay of a few hours. A committee pro- 
ceeded to Waterford and there received the committee from 
Pittsburg, with the illustrious guest. Gen. La Fayette, G. 
W. La Fayette, and M. La Vasseur. Judah Colt, Esq., of the 
Erie committee, in behalf of the citizens, gave him a cordial 
welcome to the county, to which the General made a suitable 
reply. After an early bi'eakfast, the company, with a number 
of citizens from Waterford, proceeded to Erie. When within 
a mile of the borough they were received by a battalion of vol- 
unteers in full uniform, and a procession formed under the 
direction of Gen. B. Wallace, Chief Marshal. The procession 
passed down State Street to the public scxuare ; then down 
French to Third ; across Third to the foot of State Street, 
where the General and suite alighted, and were received by 
Captain Budd, U. S. N., commanding officer of the naval 
station. Captain Maurice, of the engineers, and a number of 
other naval and military officers, and proceeded to the bank. 
The party being in full view of our beautiful harbor, a national 
salute was fired from the navy yard, after which the proces- 
sion passed to the house of Mr. Dobbins, where accommoda- 
tions had been provided and where he was welcomed in the 
name of the citizens by Dr. J. C. Wallace, Chief Burgess. 
Gen. La Fayette made a very appropriate rej^ly, and was in- 
troduced to a great number of persons of every age, and then 
proceeded to the house of Judah Colt, where a large number of 
ladies were assembled, to whom he was severally presented. 
Having returned to his quarters he was escorted at half-past 
one to the bridge on Second Street, between French and State, 
where a dinner had been prepared by Mr. Dickson. The 
table extended the length of the bridge, one hundred and 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 283 

seventy feet, in full view of the lake, and was covered by an 
awning of the sails of the British vessels taken by Commo- 
dore Perry, and handsomely ornamented with flowers and 
evergreens. Among the toasts drank standing, with three 
cheers, were the " President of the United States," "Gen. 
George Washington," "Ex-Presidents," "The Greeks," "Bol- 
ivar, the Liberator," "the surviving heroes of the Revo- 
lution," severally, and lastly, " Gen. La Fayette — In youth a 
hero, in maturity a sage, in advanced life an example to the 
present and future generations." After which, Gen. La 
Fayette arose and gave the following : "Erie — A name which 
has a great share in American glory ; may this town ever en- 
joy a proportionate share in American prosperity and happi- 
ness." The General and his suite were then escorted from the 
table to their quarters, and, after an affectionate farewell of 
the citizens, at three o'clock stepped into the carriage and were 
accompanied by a number of citizens to Portland, where the 
steamboat Superior was in readiness to receive and convey the 
party to Buffalo. 

In 1827 the young men of Erie celebrated the tenth of Sep- 
tember on board of the Queen Charlotte, in Misery Bay. 
The revenue cutter Dallas carried the company out with one 
of the flags that was in the action floating from her mast. 
Between the hours of three and four o'clock a national salute 
was fired, being the hour the British surrendered. One of 
Commodore Perry's officers took dinner with them, and one 
of his seamen fired the cannon. 

Cholera. — During the prevalence of the Asiatic cholera 
throughout our country in 1832, a Mrs. Hunter was landed on 
the peninsula, in the last stages of the disease, and died thir- 
teen hours after the attack. Her daughter who accompanied 
her died in twenty-four hours. Great anxiety existed among 
all classes lest the contagion should prevail. A board of health 
was appointed, which made frequent reports to the public, 
and through their exhortations to rigid cleanliness, cheerful- 
ness, and temperance in eating and drinking, no cases origi- 
nated in the town. This case of Mrs. Hunter, who was an 
emigrant, was one of the first that originated in the country. 
It will be remembered as the season when the disease pre- 



284 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

vailed so fearfully and fatally in many of the lake towns, and 
on several of the steamboats. 

Perry Monument. — In November, 1835, a public meeting 
convened at the courthouse, to take into consideration the 
propriety of erecting a monument to the memory of Commo- 
dore Perry. Rufus S. Reed was chosen President-; George 
Moore and Giles Sanford, Vice-Presidents ; and William 
Kelley, Secretary. The meeting ado^ited several appropriate 
resolutions, and appointed eleven persons to collect funds, pro- 
cure a site, etc., to fill vacancies in their own body, and to in- 
crease the number if necessary, and to attend to all business 
relating to the accomplishment of the object. 

The names of the executive committee were Col. Thomas 
Forster, George Moore, R. S. Reed, P. S. V. Hamot, Giles 
Sanford, Thomas H. Sill, William Kelley, Daniel Dobbins, 
Robert Brown, John H. Walker, and Samuel Hays. 

Buffalo made a move about the same time for the erection 
of a Perry monument in that city, but the depression in 
the money market, probably with both, prevented further 
action. 

At an informal meeting of citizens, in front of the Reed 
House (probably an imaginary one, as the chairman was the 
" oldest citizen," and the secretary the man with the "Shaker 
hat"), held June 2, 1846, in congratulation of the public bene- 
fit received by the "recent adornment of the Diamond, the 
chairman christened the Park ' Perry Square,' and ex- 
pressed the hope that he might see a cenotaph reared on this 
spot worthy of the fame of Perry. Let us formally consecrate 
this ground to the memory of the gallant dead ; let it bear the 
name of Perry, and, by-and-by, a patriotic people shall rear in 
the midst of the rich foliage that surx'ounds us, an obelisk to 
perpetuate his fame, and on which shall be inscribed the en- 
during record of his achievements. The remarks of the ven- 
erable chairman were greeted with enthusiastic applause, 
amid frequent cries of 'We'll build the monument ourselves.' " 

Order having been restored, the following resolutions were 
introduced and unanimously adopted : 

^'■Besolved^ Tliat the public ground in Erie, heretofore known 
as the Diamond, be and the same is hereby named Perry 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 285 

Square, by which appellation it shall be kuown and designa- 
ted for all time to come. 

" Resolved, That a monument to commemorate the brilliant 
naval victory achieved September 10, 1813, by Commodore 
Perry and his associates, on Lake Erie, be erected in this 
square ; and for that purpose P. S. V. Hamot, Esq., Commo- 
dore S. Champlin, U. S. N., and Captain William W. Dobbins 
are appointed a committee, and are charged with the execu- 
tion of the work, with power to appoint sub-committees 
everywhere to collect funds for this patriotic project." 

In 1857 a petition was circulated asking Congress to appro- 
priate $20,000 for a monument to Commodore Perry, to be 
placed in Erie Cemetery. Provided this was successful, a 
further appropriation was to be solicited from the State. We 
trust the cause is not abandoned in the minds of our people, 
and that the example of a neighboring city may be an ad- 
ditional incentive. 

Speculation. — In the general stagnation of business, and the 
speculating mania which prevailed throughout our country 
about 1836, the inhabitants of Erie unfortunately participated. 
The immediate completion of the canal ; the improvement of 
the harbor, which would make it second to none ; a great 
diagonal railroad from the West Bi-anch Canal to Erie, the 
route being perfectly practicable, and one hundred miles 
nearer the seaboard than any other, and without an inclined 
plane, being the Northumberland or Sunbury and Erie Road ; 
all contributed to the briliant prospects of Erie, and increased 
the nominal value of real estate marvelousl3% 

In February 1836, the sales exceeded $1,000,000, the pur- 
chasers being mostly Eastern capitalists and speculators. 

Extracts from Erie newspapers, in 1830 and 1836, exhibit the 
position of matters in a business point of view. 

"January 12, 1830.— The spirit of speculation which has 
wrought such wonders upon the line of the Erie Canal has 
never visited this borough. No extensive business is done on 
fictitious capital. The soil is owned by its occupants, and no 
part of it is covered by foreign mortgages. No branch of 
business is overdone, if we except, perhaps, one or two of the 
professions. The growth of Erie has at no time exceeded that 



286 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

of the surrouuding country. Its increase has been commen- 
surate only with the increase of business. It has, conse- 
quently, never felt those reverses' which always attend villages 
of mushroom growth. Many men with small capital have be- 
come independent, and some opulent. Erie possesses advan- 
tages which must forever secure to it important and lucrative 
business. Its harbor is decidedly the safest and best on the 
lake. Our water privileges are equal to our present wants, and 
an increase may be expected from the construction of the 
Pennsylvania Canal. 

"That Erie will be a successful rival of her sister villages on 
the borders of the lake, we have not a shadow of doubt ; but 
let not her growth be forced ; every doubtful or chimerical 
speculation should be discountenanced, and, above all, let not 
our village lots fall into the hands of those who calculate great 
speculations on their rise. This is the bane which is most to 
be dreaded in all ovu* growing villages. We must construct a 
wharf out to Mr. C. M. Reed's pier, where there is deep water. 

" February 27, 1836. — Erie bank. We are informed that the 
entire stock of $200,000 has been subscribed, and, we believe, 
paid in. [News at the same time of probable passage of ap- 
propriation in Congress for improvement of harbor.] 

"February 27, 1836. — The receipt of positive news of the 
final passage of the canal and (U. S.) bank bill at this place, on 
Monday evening, gave a new impetus to the rise of real estate. 
It advanced immediately about one hundred per cent, and has 
since continued rising at the rate of from ten to twenty per 
cent a day. Sales have been made this week amounting to 
near half a million of dollars. The sales, too, are none of your 
sham sales got up for effect — they are bona fide, and liberal, 
almost invariably made by the purchasers, who are mostly 
men of heavy capital from the East — Buffalo, Rochester, and 
New York — and persons able to sustain prices, so far as they 
buy for speculation, and to improve what they buy for use. 
There is no danger of retrograde. The tide of prosperity has 
set in favor of Erie, and it must go ahead. The Fates cannot 
make it otherwise. Real estate will continue to rise, and we 
would sincerely recommend any friend of ours who wishes to 
purchase, to do so as soon as possible. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 287 

I 

" March 1. — Real estate. Sales increase in briskness, and 
prices still rising. The amount of sales on^ Saturday and yes- 
terday (Monday) amounted to over $300,000. Good bargains 
are yet offered to any who have cash to invest for first pay- 
ments, and at prices which cannot fail of advancing in as 
great a ratio as they have done for several weeks back. 

" It is estimated that the sales in our borough, last week, 
amounted to a million and a half of dollars. They are still 
going on and daily advancing in prices. 

" A company has bought land at the mouth of Twenty Mile 
Creek, to construct a harbor there. 

" A lot of ground sold in Erie, in February, for |10,000 — was 
sold in March, in Buffalo, to a company, for $50,000. 

" April 2, 1836. — For the sake of our numerous correspon- 
dents, who look with distrust on all excitement in the grave 
business of laying out bona fide capital, we will briefly and 
generally reply that there is no sham nor get-up to the land 
transactions hereaway ; and that neither collapse nor the ordi- 
nary fever and ague need be apprehended for this place ; it has 
grown steadily and slowly into public favor, and its present 
towering prospects have a foundation in the nature of things 
not only permanent and enduring, but natural and everlast- 
ing. Look at the position of Erie on the map ; read the re- 
ports of the United States Engineers as to the harbor ; above 
all, at this crisis, observe the enlightened legislation of the 
Commonwealth in anticipating the demand for commercial 
facilities at this favored spot. 

" June 11. — Twelve water lots of thirty-two feet front sold, 
notwithstanding the severe pressure in the money market, at 
an aggregate price of over $40,000." 

In consequence of the failure of the United States Bank, and 
delay in prosecuting projected improvements, prices gradually 
declined, and the depression was so great in a few years that 
property could scarcely be disposed of at the lowest rates. 
These fluctuations have been succeeded by times of more re- 
liable and permanent valuation. 

Fires. — January 22, 1839, Erie suffered from a destructive 
fire, in which the " Mansion House" and several frame build- 
ings were consumed. Also the barn of Messrs. Hart and 



288 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Bird, stage proprietors, containing eleven horses and seven 
coaches. Loss estimated at $50,000. 

April 1, 1851, the Eagle Hotel and several other buildings 
and stores were consumed by fire. 

In 1857 a whole block was consumed on the west side of 
State Street and the public square. The buildings were prin- 
cipally wood, and much of the loss was covered by insurance. 
The printing offices of the Dispatch and True American, and 
about twelve shops and stores, were destroyed. 

Sad Accidents. — The summer of 1841 was overshadowed by 
gloom in consequence of two very melancholy accidents. The 
first was the loss by drowning, under aggravated circum- 
stances, of two children of Mr. Josiah King, of Pittsburg, with 
their nurse. Mr. K. and his family, which consisted of his 
wife, three children, and mother-in-law, were anticipating a 
visit to Mr. K.'s parents in Erie. On Saturday night they ar- 
rived at the public works in the steamboat New England, 
Captain Oliver, from Cleveland. The captain insisted that he 
could not enter the harbor in safety. Mr. K. requested then 
to be taken on to Buffalo ; but being assured that the yawl was 
as safe as the steamboat, Mr. K., after consulting his family-, " 
acceded to the captain's wishes. Three other passengers and 
three deck hands, with Mr. K. and family, were then 
committed to the small boat, which through unaccountable 
negligence, had the plug removed. With the utmost exei'- 
tions the boat succeeded in reaching the pier, but not without 
imminent peril to the whole, and the loss of two lovely chil- 
dren and their nurse. The dead bodies were not recovered 
until the third or fourth day. 

The 9th of August, 1841, is noted for a most appalling calam- 
ity on Lake Erie, scarcely equaled in the number of sufferers 
by any similar event. This was the burning of the steamboat 
Erie, Captain Titus, being thirty-three miles from Buffalo, on 
her way up the lake. It was estimated that two hundred and 
forty-nine persons were, by this accident, launched into eter- 
nity in a few brief moments ; twenty-six of these were from 
Erie County, among whom were Lloyd Gilson, clerk, Leander 
Jolls, steward, six members of the brass band, wheelsman, 
deck hands, etc. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 289 

The conduct of the wheelsman, Augustus Fuller, of Harbor 
Creek, is far famed for its heroism. He was at the wheel when 
the alarm of fire was given ; immediately headed the boat for 
the shore, and continued at his post until the wheelhouse, 
wheel, and his own person were completely enveloped in 
flames. In the vicinity of the wreck, in the course of a week, 
between one hvindred and twenty and one hundred and thirty 
of the dead bodies arose to the surface, and mourning, burials, 
and funeral sermons sadly prevailed throughout the land. 

The Erie had a cargo worth $20,000 ; the immigrants had 
with them $180,000 ; the boat was valued at $75,000 ; making a 
loss of little less than $300,000. The Erie was built by a num- 
ber of citizens of Erie, and launched in October, 1837. At the 
time she was lost General C. M. Reed was the largest share- 
holder. Her tonnage was between six and seven hundred. 

The coroner's jury certified that the destruction was acci- 
dental — that the fire was occasioned by the bursting of one or 
more demijohns of spirits of turpentine standing on the boiler 
deck — the boat having been newly painted, and the wind be- 
ing high, the flames were driven through the entire boat with 
astonishing velocity. 

Ex-President Adams. — In 1843 the town was honored by a 
call from Ex-President J. Q. Adams. The steamboat Gen. 
Wayne, on which he was a passenger, remained from seven to 
nine P. M. at the dock. The Wayne Greys and the three fire 
companies escorted him to the Reed House. Hon. T. H, Sill 
made him welcome in a short speech. The citizens in large 
numbei's took him by the hand, and he was introduced 
severally to a number of the ladies, whom he addressed in a 
brief and appropriate manner. As Mr. Adams held no office, 
it was an expression of genuine, disinterested respect to a 
great and good man. 

During the Patriot War (as the rebellion in Canada has 
been called) the arm-house in Erie was entered, and a quan- 
tity of muskets taken therefrom. They were discovered in 
Buffalo, and identified by Capt. Homans, U. S. N., then resid- 
ing in Erie, by a peculiar kind of side-arm used by the com- 
pany. The steamer Oov. Marey was chartered by the United 
States government, and Lieut. Homans placed in command. 



290 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY, 

The Old Courthouse Bell, which could be heard at a greater 
distance tlian some of the larger bells that our city is favored 
with at present, belonged to the ship Detroit when taken, 
September 10, 1813. Commodore Sinclair had it afterward 
on the Niagara for a ship bell. In 1821 this brig was dis- 
mantled, and the bell, with other goods, placed in the navy 
storehouse at Erie. In 1825, when the station was broken 
up and the property disposed of by auction, the bell was 
bought by the county commissioners and placed upon the 
courthouse. After the new courthouse bell arrived in 1854, 
by a singular coincidence this old bell slipped from its hang- 
ings, and some mischievous persons purloined it. It was 
recovered after a few months, and bought for ?105 by the city 
authorities. 

Among the Pioneers of Erie County we find the name of 
James Tallmadge, who came in 1795, and died in McKean 
township in 1855, aged eighty-two years. 

Mr. James Blair, of Girard, also came to the county in 1795, 
and died in 1855, at the age of eighty -one. He was an elder in 
the Presbyterian church, and a man of rare worth, respected 
and beloved. 

Captain James Pollock died at Waterford, in May, 1857, 
having lived in Erie County sixty years. He was one of the 
members of the Convention to amend the Constitution of 
Pennsylvania in 1836. 

Mr. Giles Badger died at Lexington, a few miles south of 
Girard, in 1857, aged eighty-nine years, having lived in Erie 
County sixty years. Upon the surrender of Hull he entered 
the army, and served under Gen. Harrison. " He enjoyed the 
confidence and respect of his fellows, both as a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal church and a citizen ; and in peace and 
Christian hojje passed away." 

]\Ir. Stephen Oliver, a revolutionary soldier, died in Mc- 
Kean, in February, 1857, aged ninety-seven years. He was 
one of the survivors of the massacre of Wyoming, his name 
being inscribed upon the monument. He voted for Gen. 
Washington and Col. Fremont, and at every intervening 
Presidential election. He lived and died a Christian. 

Mr. Thomas Dunn died in McKean, in 1854, aged eighty- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 291 

two years. He came to Erie in 1797, aud settled upon the 
farm where lie died. 

Mr. Burrell Tracy died in 1853, having removed to Erie 
County in 1797. 

Ferry'' s Squadron was but seventy days in building. Tlie 
timber was mostly taken from the third section. Captain 
Daniel Dobbins claims to have cut the first stick of timber 
with his own hands. 

At a dinner given to Commodore Perry, before leaving Erie 
on his momentous mission, he expressed his determination to 
return a conqueror or in his shroud. 

Commodore Perry had a i^ropensity for fine horses. The one 
he rode in Erie was a superior but not showy animal, which 
he had purchased at Cattaraugus. Mr. Judah Colt bought him 
when Commodore Perry left, and he always went by the name 
of the " Commodore." He died in 1829 and was buried with 
due respect, with his shoes on, near the garrison ground. 

Peter H., a young gentleman of Meadville, came to Erie to 
volunteer with Commodore Perry, but when the decisive 
moment arrived and the squadron was to sail, altered his pur- 
pose and returned home. Wade, a law student of the same 
place, made this conduct the occasion for a practical joke, and 
in a week's time Peter H. i-eceived a communication through 
the postofiice, which he opened with due formality. Inclosed 
was a letter, a bank bill, and a tract or little book about three 
inches by four, such as the pious missionary, Mr. Osgood, dis- 
tributed among the people. The letter purported to be from 
Com, Perry, stating that they had met the enemy and con- 
quered — had killed Tecumseh and taken his private library, 
and the little book was his apportionment, and the note (a 
counterfeit of the broken Gloucester bank) his share of the 
prize money. 

Extract from a letter dated — 

"Marion, O., November 13, 1860. 

. . " The last few years of his life (Lieutenant Yarnall's, 
of Commodore Perry's flagship Lawrence), were spent in Nor- 
ton, a small town of Delaware County, where he earned a 
a small pittance by prescribing a few botanical medicines to 
the people of that vicinity, and telling fortunes or predicting 



292 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the future of those who would reward him for the same, and 
pretending to be gifted witli second sight, by which he could 
tell the persons calling upon him where to find property that 
had strayed away or been stolen from them. By these means 
he procured a livelihood for a number of years, and won for 
himself the name of old Pluto. 

" He died about twenty years ago, and was buried with the 
honors of war. Many of the old veterans of the war gathered 
around the grave of the poor old man, when he was lowered 
to his last home, where ' he sleeps his last sleep,' and where 
' no sound can awake him to glory again.' They shed tears 
over his grave as they remembered the time when they fought 
with him on the battle fields of their country. 

"No monument, not even a slab, marks the last resting 
place of the old veteran. But his name is remembered by a 
people that know how to appreciate the liberty for which he 
fought. J. N. S." 

The survivors of the battle of Lake Erie as far as known 
(1861) : 

Stephen Champlin, sailing-master and commander of the 
Scorpion ; now a post-captain, and residing in Buffalo. 

J. B. Montgomery, midshipman in the Niagara; now a 
post-captain, and in command of the Pacific squadron. 

Hugh N. Page, midshipman in the Tigress ; now a post- 
captain, and resides in Virginia. 

Thomas Brownell, sailing-master on board the Ariel, resides 
in Newport, and is lieutenant. 

Usher Parsons, acting surgeon of the flagship, and of the 
squadron, resides in Providence, and is the last surviving 
commissioned officer of the squadron. 

Hosea Sargeant, a volunteer from Gen. Harrison's army, 
was a gunner on the Lawrence ; lives in Boston. 

W. T. Taliaferro, a volunteer from Harrison's army, now re- 
sides, as a physician, in Cincinnati. 

Benjamin Talmon, gunner on the Caledonia. 

John Tucker, powder boy of the Caledonia. 

Benjamin Fleming, a sailor on the Niagaixi, lives in Erie. 

Jonas Stone, carpenter on the Lawrence, resides near Mil- 
waukee. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 293 

Alexander MeClaskey, a volunteer from Erie, resides in 
Illinois. 

Daniel Metzenburg resides in Erie ; volunteered on board 
the Niagara ; is now about seventy years of age, and has his 
medal. 

J. Murray, a marine, resides in Girard. 

The following, who were mostly volunteers from Harrison's 
army, are believed to be still living, to wit : 

Thomas H. Bradford, Nathan Holburt, John Norris, Wil- 
liam Blair, James Artus, Rowland S. Parker, and James Lan- 
man. 

Extract from the account of "The Inauguration of the 
Perry Statue, at Cleveland " : 

" The cost of the Perry Monument was $8,000, as agreed in 
the contract made with T. Jones & Sous, Nearly $5,000 of this 
sum was obtained by voluntary subscriptions, and the City 
Council, on the receipt of a communication from the Chair- 
man of the Perry Monument Committee, stating the balance 
due to the contractors, September 25, 1860, passed the resolu- 
tion offered by Mr. Ballard : 

^^ Resolved, That the sum of three thousand and eight dol- 
lars be appropriated from the city treasury to T. Jones & Sons, 
in full of the balance due them on their contract for the erec- 
tion of the Perry Monument, the same to be paid one third in 
six months and one third in twelve months. Adopted. Ayes, 
18 ; nays, 1." 

" October 30, 1860, the following action was had in the City 
Council, on the receipt of a communication from Harvey 
Rice, Chairman of the Perry Monument Committee, stating 
that he has received from O. H. Perry, only surviving son of 
Commodore Perry, a portrait in oil of the Commodore, copied 
by Mr. Lawson, of Lowell, from the original painting by 
Stuart. In compliance with the request of Mr. Perry, he 
presented the portrait to the City of Cleveland. In the note by 
Mr. Perry accompanying the portrait, he expresses his belief 
that ' so patriotic a people as the citizens of Cleveland will 
value the portrait of one they have been pleased to honor.' 

" Received and filed. 

" Resolutions of Mr. Clark : 



294 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

" That the portrait of Commodore Perry, presented this 
evening to the City of Cleveland, in the name, and at the re- 
quest of O. H. Perry, Esq., his only surviving son, be ac- 
cepted ; and that the City Clerk be directed to cause the same 
to be handsomely framed and suspended in Council Hall. 

"That the thanks of the City Council be, and the same are 
hereby tendered to O. H. Perry, Esq., for so valuable and ac- 
ceptable a gift, and that the Mayor of the City be requested to 
communicate to him a certified copy of the foregoing I'esolu- 
tions. 

"Adopted." 

Inventions. — October 4, 1853, Ozias J. Davie and Thomas 
W. Stephens, of the City of Erie, obtained a patent for a 
punching and shearing niachine. Improvements were after- 
ward made by them, and the machine exhibited at the Crys- 
tal Palace, where its operations attracted much attention. 
Munn & Co., editors of the Scientific American, make mention 
of it as one of the best inventions of the kind with which they 
are acquainted. Liddell, Kepler & Co., of Erie, are proprietors. 
A car spring was afterward patented by Walter F. J. Liddell, 
which is considered a very great improvement. 

Captain Douglass Ottinger invented a lifeboat which was 
exhibited at the Crystal Palace in 1853, and which is now in 
general use. From humane motives he refused to have it 
patented, but received, in 1858, a remuneration from Con- 
gress of $10,000. 

J. W. Wetmore, Esq., invented a band railroad chair ; first 
patent, April 19, 1859 ; second patent, December 27, 1859. 
Sub-wedge railroad chair, which was first patented August 23, 
1859, and a second time, May 15, 1860. 

A legislative voting register, the object of which is to pre- 
vent the delay in taking the ayes and nays, was patented by 
him April 3, 1860. The gravimotometer was patented Feb- 
ruary 16, 1858, the object of the apparatus being to test or 
measure the effect of motion on atti'action or gravitation. It 
is constructed by having horseshoe magnets attached verti- 
cally flatwise unto a wooden globe. 

Also letters patent were granted June 16, 1861, for impi'oved 
means of propelling vessels in shoal water. The model was 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 295 

submitted by Mr. Wetmoi-e to a committee in 1858, wliicli con- 
cluded their article as follows : 

" On the whole, this method of propulsion seems to us to be 
practicable. In our opinion it is a valuable invention for the 
use i^roposed. The advantages consist principally of a great 
saving of power in the propulsion of boats and the extension 
of the use of steamboats to rivers where navigation by paddle 
wheel boats is now hardly practicable. The large appropria- 
tions expended or proposed for the improvement of the navi- 
gation of the various rivers of the country, and the difficulty 
and expense of such improvements, show the utility and 
necessity of successful efforts to overcome the impediment in 
these channels of commerce. This plan seems to us to meet 
the necessity, and to be the best improvement j-et devised for 
shoal water navigation. 
" Douglass Ottinger, Charles M. Reed, 

"m. courtright, joshua follensbee, 

" John A. Tracy, William A. Galbraith, 

"P. Metcalf, a. H. Caughey, 

"A. Scott." 

In the Buffalo Daily Republic of March 20, 1861, we find an 
article on the "Suspended Pui'chase," an invention of Mr. 
William H. Brown, of Erie. The editor remarks : " To us 
it seemed to be rather more than a purchase, it was really a 
combination of purchases. Every part sustains such a deli- 
cate and positive relation to every other part, that it seems as 
if human ingenuity could go no further in the development of 
the idea which has lived in the brain of the inventor for over 
eight years. To perfect machinery by which massive bodies, 
or large quantities, should be lifted and transported to any 
given distance, or deposited at points difficult to reach, has 
been the great object of the inventor. That he has accom- 
plished his undertaking, no one who has seen the performance 
of his model will undertake to question. . . . For quarry- 
ing purposes, bridge building, and unloading of vessels, the 
' Suspended Purchase ' is invaluable ; in fact, it would require 
too much space to specify the purposes for which it may be 
successfully and economically used. In the work of construc- 
tion, especially, it will be found by engineers to meet a neces- 



296 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

sity which nothing but rude muscle and great mental labor 
have heretofore met. In the unloading of vessels Mr. Brown 
guarantees to discharge 150 tons of iron ore or coal per hour, 
with the number of hands necessary to keep up with the op- 
erations of his machinery." 

Also, in the New York Times, July 29, 1861 , under the head 
" Improvised Army Bridges," after a statement by the editor 
of the difficulties of making passable, at short notice, the or- 
dinary bridges of which the rebels have destroyed the super- 
structure, of rapidly transporting guns, stores, and horses 
over chasms which cannot speedily be bridged, the time re- 
quired to construct rafts, etc., he adds : "A recent apparatus 
(Brown's Suspended Purchase), which has been employed to 
some extent in carrying and depositing the material of 
bridges, and in raising ore and coal from vessels and dumping 
it some hundreds of feet off— an apparatus indorsed by com- 
petent engineering authorities, seems to possess the features 
re(£uired in military purposes. . . . There is evidently the 
principle in this simple device for greatly aiding military op- 
erations by speedily repairing damaged bridges, improvising 
bridges, etc., and it is obvious that something of this sort will 
be specially useful in this campaign." 

" The Society of the United Brethren for Propagating the 
Gospel among the Heathen," was incorporated by the act of 
Assembly, February 27, 1788. It is formed of members of the 
Episcopal church of the United Brethren or Unitas Fratrum 
— more generally known as the Moravian church. 

April 17, 1791, an act was passed to grant this society 5,000 
acres of land and allowance ; 2,500 acres to be located " on the 
River Conneought near the northwestern corner of the State," 
and 2,500 acres "on the heads of French Creek." 

The inducement thereto is stated in the act to be the fact 
that the United Brethren had sent and supported missionaries 
and teachers among the Indians since 1740, and in furtherance 
of which the aforesaid society was incorporated in 1788. The 
society asked for public aid because the missions had become 
both numerous and exjjensive, and hitherto had been main- 
tained solely by the charitable contributions of the members of 
the Moravian church. The request was granted on the ground 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 297 

that the Commonwealth was " disposed to encourage all pious 
and charitable institutions, and the propagation of the Gospel, 
and the erecting and supporting schools among the Indian 
nations of America being of the first importance to this and 
other of the United States, and by the blessing of God con- 
ducive to the peace and security of the inhabitants and set- 
tlers of our frontiers by turning the minds of the savages to 
the Christian religion, industry, and social life with the citi- 
zens of the United States." 

The patents are dated April 14, 1795. 

The French Creek tract, called " Good Luck," contained 
2,875 acres and allowance. Thirty-four pounds, eleven shil- 
lings and nine pence were paid for the excess above 2,500 acres. 

The Conneaut tract, called "Hospitality," contained 2,797 
92-100 acres and allowance, the payment being nineteen 
pounds, twenty-three shillings and ten pence for the excess. 

Both tracts were subdivided and leased on " Improvement 
Leases," by the late William Miles, Esq., who for many years 
was the society's efficient agent in the improvement of these 
lands. Mr. Miles's health failing, his son, Judge James Miles, 
succeeded him in the agency of the "Hospitality" tract, and 
John Wood, Esq., in the " Good Luck" tract. 

The lands were finally sold by the society in 1849, to N. 
Blickensdefer, Esq. 

To the efficient care and superintendence of these gentle- 
men, particularly the Messrs. Miles, who were pioneers in the 
improvements, the society and the county are indebted for 
reclaiming from a wilderness a large portion of the best lands 
in Erie County — some 700 acres of " Good Luck" and 1,200 of 
" Hospitality" having been brought into a good state of culti- 
vation up to the year 1850. 

The terms of the leases were, in general, the use of the land 
by the tenant for a series of years, usually seven, in considera- 
tion of clearing and fencing a small portion annually. Sub- 
sequently leases included agreements to build houses and 
barns. 

The society were induced to sell principally from the con- 
sideration that the annual interest of the proceeds of sale 
would be a more effectual and available aid to their work than 



298 HIS'tORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

any system of farming by tenants. After its purchase by Mr. 
Blickensdefer it was again subdivided and resold to actual 
settlers, a few of the best tenants becoming purchasers. Both 
tracts are now well improved in suitable-sized farms, and will 
compare favorably with any lands in Erie County. 

In Chapter IX. mention of an act to open a road from near 
the Bald Eagle's Nest, in Mifflin County, to Le Boeuf, in the 
County of Allegheny, was omitted. This act passed April 10, 
1799, and appropriated §5,000 for the purpose. 

The following on the subject of railroads, from Poor's His- 
tory, should be added: "In addition to the subscrij)tions 
made to the Philadelphia & Erie Road was §500,000 to the 
share capital by the Cleveland & Erie Railroad, at the time 
the Legislature of Pennsylvania confirmed the rights of this 
and the Erie & Northeast to the chartered privileges claimed 
by them. 

"The Erie & Pittsburg Railroad was chartered as the suc- 
cessor of the Pittsburg & Erie Railroad, on April 15, 1858. In 
addition to the §400,000 subscribed to this by the Erie & North- 
east Road as one of the conditions by which it enjoys quiet 
right of way through the State, it has a floating debt of 
$250,000 (advances by the Buffalo & State Line Company), and 
$30,000 from individual stockholders. 

"In 1857 an act was obtained from the Legislature of New 
York, authorizing the Buffalo & State Line Road to lease or 
purchase, by exchange of stock or lands, the Erie & Northeast 
Railroad. Under this act nearly all the share capital of the 
Erie & Northeast has been exchanged for that of the Buffalo 
«fe State Line Road. Bonds have also been exchanged to the 
amount of $149,000. The funded debt of the Erie & Northeast 
Road is §400,000, in details as follows : First mortgage, seven 
per cent, coupon bonds $400,000, dated June 1, 1857, and pay- 
' able, principal June 1, 1870, and interest semi-annually, June 
1 and December 1, at New York. Of these bonds $149,000 have 
been exchanged for bonds of the Buffalo & State Line Railroad 
as a part of its own line ; its earnings and expenses are em- 
braced in those for that road. The same dividends have been 
paid by the two companies." 

At Junction (afterwards Corry), in Concord township, where 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 299 

the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad intersects the Phila- 
delphia & Erie, quite a cluster of buildings has arisen in the 
woods within the last three months. The Atlantic & Great 
Western connects with the New York & Erie at Little Valley, 
in Cattaraugus County, having the same gauge. A lai'ge 
quantity of petroleum passed over this road on September 9, 
1861 ; twenty-three car-loads were shipped at Junction for 
New York City on that day. 

March 1, 1781, the State of New York made a deed of cession 
to the United States of lands lying between the northern 
boundary of Pennsylvania and Lake Erie, or rather judged it 
expedient to limit and restrict the boundaries of this State. 
April 19, 1785, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made a 
similar deed of cession. 

At the Assembly of Internal Commerce, in Philadelphia, 
September 15, 1783, a resolution was carried to "examine the 
navigation of the Susquehanna to the source of the same, and 
ascertain, as near as conveniently may be, where the northern 
boundary of this State will fall, particularly whether any part 
of Lake Erie is within the State of Pennsylvania, taking par- 
ticular notes of the nature and geography of the country as to 
the practicability of roads, water carriage, air, soil, natural 
productions, etc." 

September 20th William Maclay, James Wilkinson, and 
William Montgomery, Esqs., were duly elected to perform the 
duties prescribed in the resolution. These commissioners 
arrived at Erie, October 8, 1787, and determined by scientific 
observations that there was no lake harbor inside the State, 
and also that the land was of a fair quality. On motion of 
Gen. Irvine, in Congress, February 25, 1788, the Geographer of 
the United States was directed to proceed to run a line and 
ascertain the western limits of the States of New York and 
Massachusetts, comformable to their acts of cession. 

June 16, 1788, Tho. Hutchins, Geographer of the United 
States of America, addressed Lord Dorchester, Governor-Gen- 
eral of Canada, for permission to survey the most westerly 
bent or inclination of Lake Ontario, and to extend a meridian 
line from thence south to Lake Erie, etc. 

September 4, 1788, by act of Congress the United States 



300 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

relinquished and transferred to the State of Pennsylvania "tlie 
land contained, in the interval betwixt a meridian line run 
between Lake Erie and the State of Pennsylvania, and the 
boundaries of the States of New York and Massachusetts, at 
the rate of three quarters of a dollar per acre," bearing inter- 
est, when the quantity should be ascertained by actual survey. 
An estimate of other expenditures that might be incurred in 
the purchase from the Six Nations, amounting to £950, is in 
details as follows : Various suitables articles, £375 ; provisions, 
£100; wagonage, boat hire, etc., £150; pay of commissioners, 
hire of interpreters, runners, etc., £250; presents to great 
men, £75. 

Seiitember 8, 1788, P. Muhlenberg, Vice-President of the 
Board of Treasury, transmitted to Hon. Thos. Mifflin, Speaker 
of the General Assembly, an act of Congress passed the 4th of 
the same month, by which the United States relinquished and 
transferred to the State of Pennsylvania all their right and 
title to the tract of land on Lake Erie. September 13, 1788, 
the State of Pennsylvania in General Assembly heard the 
report of the committee and resolved to accept, on the part of 
the Commonwealth, the contract made with the Board of 
Treasury of the United States, and recommended to the suc- 
ceeding House of Assembly fully to pay and discharge the 
consideration moneys due, at three fourths of a dollar per acre, 
as soon as it should be surveyed. Some estimated the number 
of acres (which proved to be 202,187) at 800,000, and others at 
1,000,000. Provision was made immediately for the payment 
of £950 for contingent expenses. 

October 1, 1788, Gen. Richard Butler and Gen. John Gibson 
were appointed by the Council of Philadelphia commissioners 
to negotiate and complete the purchase of the Lake Erie tract, 
and William Maclay and John Smilie to prepare and report to 
the board a draft of instructions to said commissioners. These 
instructions were in effect to make the purchase when they 
should find the Indians in a proper temper — at that time they 
were attending a convention at Muskingum. 

The 9th of January, 1789, in open and public council, 
twenty-four chiefs and warriors representing the Senacas, 
Cayugas, Tuscaroras, Onondagas, and Oneidas, of the tribes of 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 301 

the Six Nations, for themselves, tribes, heirs, and sucessors, 
and Richard Butler and John Gibson, Esqs., cominissioners 
for and in behalf of the State of Pennsylvania (Onas) on the 
other part, made and concluded seven articles by which the 
Indians renounced their claims, and the title of the Presqu'ile 
lands vested in the State of Pennsylvania. 

March 24, 1789, it was resolved by the General Assembly of 
Pennsylvania, that not exceeding 3,000 acres be surveyed for 
the use of the Commonwealth at each of the following points: 
Presqu'ile, Le Boeuf, at the mouth of Conewango, and at the 
fort of Venango. And also in the country of Lake Erie, 1,500 
acres for Capt. O'Biel or Cornplauter, whose Indian name was 
Gyantwachia. 

Bankers and Exchange Brokers in the City and County of 
Erie, with amount of capital invested by each firm and indi- 
vidual respectively, as reported to the Auditor-General of 
Pennsylvania, agreeablj^ to act of Assembly passed A. D. 
1861: 

Capital. 

M. Sanford & Co., bankers, Erie City % 50,000 

W. C. Curry, broker and private banker, Erie City 100,000 

Vincent, Bailey & Co., Erie City 25,000 

Neiler & Warren, " •' 5,000 

Clark & Metcalf, " " 12,000 

Benson & West, Waterford 500 



SUPPLEMENT. 



SECTION I. 

The Shipyard of the Griffon — Northern State Boimdary — Ow7iership 
of the Peninsula — The Pontiac Conspiracy — Le Bceuf^ Letters of 
a Surveyor, etc, — Scenery. 

La SalI/E, born at Rouen in 1643, was of a good family, and 
at an early age evinced a taste for matlaematics ; was for a 
period a teacher, and expected to become a priest. Self-will 
and ambition predominated, and he followed his longings for 
adventure, discovery, and conquest. The influence of his 
elder brother, a priest in New France, settled his purpose for 
explorations, reciting his own adventures in the new dis- 
covered countries, and studying the habits and dialects of the 
Indians. 

Mr. Orsamus H. Marshall, a lifelong resident of Buffalo, and 
a painstaking historian, in a lecture February 3, 1863, says : 
"Two leagues above the falls (on the American side) Ave find 
the Cayuga Creek, a stream which answers perfectly Henne- 
pin's description. Opposite its mouth an island of the same 
name lies parallel with the shore, about a mile long and two 
or three hundred yards wide. It is separated from the main- 
land by a narrow branch of the river called by the early 
inhabitants ' Little Niagara ' — wide and deep enough to float 
a vessel of the tonnage of the Oriffon. Into this channel and 
opposite the middle of the island, the Cayuga Creek empties. 
On the main shore, just above the mouth of the creek and 
under shelter of the island, is a favorable site for a shipyard. 
So eligible is the position that it was selected by the United 
States government, in the early part of the present century, as 



304 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

a suitable point for building one or more vessels for the trans- 
portation of troops and supplies to the western jjorts. For 
that reason it was known in early times as the ' Old Ship- 
yard ' ; and local traditions have been preserved in the memory 
of the early pioneers of the anterior occupancy, for the same 
purpose by the French. . . . The same site was selected by 
the United States government about the year 1804 for the con- 
struction of a small sloop of fifty tons burden, called the 
Niagara, which was used for conveying supj^lies to the west- 
ern ports. The owner of this estate is Mr. Jackson Angevine, 
who has generously stated to me that it will be a pleasure for 
him to donate land sufficient for the erection of a testimonial 
commemorating the event." 

The Erie Morning Dispatch of August 18, 1893, said : " A 
conference will be held in New York City early next week, 
when the agreement entered into yesterday at the Depart- 
ment of Internal Affairs between Col. Thomas J. Stewart, 
chief of that department, and Martin Schenck, of New York, , 
who are charged with the duty of examining the boundary 
line monuments between Pennsylvania and New York and 
resetting and relocating them where it is found necessary, and 
to commence work at once. Allen W. Carson, of Norristown, 
the engineer who represented Pennsylvania in relocating and 
resetting the monuments three years ago, has again been 
chosen by Col. Stewart to act on the part of the Secretary of 
Internal Affairs. It would not appear too soon to examine, 
with a view to repairs, the work of one hundred and six j'ears 
ago. The report from the ' mile trees marked ' will also be of 
much interest. The commissioners will travel on foot along 
the entire line between the two States from the Delaware 
River to Lake Erie, and are required to examine every monu- 
ment." [See page 59, chapter v.] 

OWNERSHIP OF THE PENINSULA. 

From The Erie Evening Herald, July 6, 1S93. 

Major John W. Walker a few days since received the follow- 
ing interesting public document from Henry W. Babbitt, 
Esq., son of the late Elijah Babbitt, who represented the Erie 
district in Congress a number of years ago. Mr. Henry Bab- 
bitt has been connected with the general land office for the 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 305 

last thirty years, and the letter here given is an authentic 
history of the purchase and sale of the land known as the 
peninsula : 

"Department of the Interior, 
"General, Land Office, 
"Washington, D. C, Dec, 16, 1889. 
'■^ Hon. W. C. Culbertson, House of Representatives^ Washing- 
tori, D. a : 

"Sir — In reply to your verbal inquiry of December 7, 1889, 
as to whether the title to the peninsula or island in Lake Erie, 
near the City of Erie, Pennsylvania, known as ' Presque 
Isle,' is vested in the State of Pennsylvania or the United 
States, I have the honor to advise you that I find as follows: 

In 1781 the State of New York ceded to the United States 
its claim for that portion of the State of Pennsylvania known 
as the ' Erie Purchase ' (' Public Domain,' page 65). April 19, 
1785, the State of Massachusetts ceded to the United St ites 
. . . . Also, ' small portion on Lake Erie, just west of 
New York, being a triangular i)iece of land, also claimed by 
the State of New York, containing 315.91 square miles, which 
was sold by the United States to the State of Pennsylvania, 
"March 3, 1792, for $151,640.25, or 75 cents per acre. The lands 
are now in the County of Erie, State of Pennsylvania, and 
patent was issued therefor by the President. It is known as 
the 'Erie Purchase,' and contained 202,187 acres.' (Public 
Domain, page 71). 

" By act of Legislature of February 4, 1869, the State of 
Pennsylvania conveyed the said ' Presque Isle ' to Marine 
Hospital at Erie, Pa. {Congressional Becord, 49th Cong., first 
Sess., page 3,790). By act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania 
of May 11, 1871, title to said Peninsula or Presque Isle was 
■ tendered to the United States Marine Hospital at Erie, Pa. 
{Ibid.) 

"By act of Congress approved August 5, 1886, (U. S. Stat- 
utes, V. 24, page 312), the Secretary of War is authorized and 
directed to receive and accept title from said Marine Hospital 
as tendered by said legislative enactment of May 11, 1871 ; 
$37,500 being the sum appropriated to pay for the same. 

"From the letter of December. 7, 1889, on this subject from 



306 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Thomas Lincoln Casey, brigadier general, chief of engineers 
U. S. A., to Hon. B. F. Gilkerson, second comptroler U. S. 
Treasury Department, I am advised that the deed of said 
Marine Hospital, covej'ing title to said Peninsula, or Presque 
Isle, to the United States, is dated May 25, 1871 ; that the acting 
judge advocate of the U. S. Army, on the 18th of November, 
1886, rendered an opinion that the acceptance of said deed, 
under the provision of said act of Congress of August 5, 1886, 
might be signified by entering upon and taking possession of 
the land in behalf of the United States ; that the honorable 
Secretary of War approved this opinion and directed, Decem- 
ber 14, 1886, that the necessary action be taken. Accordingly, 
in pursuance of this order, the land was entered upon, and 
taken possession of, in behalf of the United States, by the 
War Department. 

" Very respectfully your obedient servant, 

"George Redway, Chief Clerk. 

" Per H. AV. Babbitt. 

" [The act of August 5, 1886, was introduced and pressed to 
passage by the late Hon. W. L. Scott.]" 

Dr. Thomas H. Robinson, D.D., in his "Family Memorial," 
published in Pittsburg in 1867, says : " Our ancestry settled at 
their first arrival, it would appear, a few miles east of the 
Susquehanna, in Hanover township. Their farms were on the 
banks of the Swatara and its tributary creek, the Mavada. 
Here dwelt and intermarried at an early day the Robinsons, 
McCords, Blacks, Martins, Logans, Crawfords, with many 
others, nearly if not quite all of them of Scotch-Irish origin. 
The fort at Mavada gap, sixteen miles northeast of Harris- 
burg, sometimes is called Philip Robinson's, sometimes Sam- 
uel Robinson's — Samuel, as the eldest son of the household, 
taking charge of the paternal estate. There were many other 
forts in that neighborhood and throughout the country. We 
learn elsewhere that this was in April, 1756, and that twenty- 
seven persons were killed or captured by the Indians. Among 
the captured was Ann McCord, wife of John McCord, who 
was retaken from the Indians about five months later at the 
celebrated battle of Kittanning, in September. 

" The French and English war over, our fathers hoped now 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 307 

for a long and undisturbed peace. The French were driven 
from the continent. It was tliought tliat the Indian tribes 
were conciliated. The valley of the Susquehanna and of the 
Juniata began again to wear the aspect of civilized life. 
Cabins were rebuilt, settlers pushed their way deeper into the 
forests and opened new farms. The militia of the middle and 
southern colonies were disbanded. The frontiers seemed to 
need protection no longer. The security of our fathers was 
doomed to be speedily and terribly broken uj). 

" The Indians beheld their old allies, the French, driven out 
of the whole country, yet scarcely had they received the rich 
presents that accompanied the treaty of peace before murmurs 
of discontent began to be audible among the tribes. A vast 
conspiracy was formed, greater in extent, deeper and more 
comprehensive in its design than any that before or since has 
been conceived by a North American Indian. The bloody 
belt of war was sent secretly from tribe to tribe, until every- 
where, from the falls of Niagara and the pine-crowned crest of 
the Alleghenies to the forests of the Mississippi and the 
borders of Lakes Michigan and Superior, all the Indian 
nations had agreed to rise and attack the various English 
forts, which extended then nearly to the Mississippi, on the 
same day, and having massacred their garrisons, turn upon 
the defenseless frontier and with all their warriors ravage and 
lay waste the settlements, until, as the Indians fondly believed, 
the English would be driven into the sea, and the whole 
country restored to its original owners. Pontiac, the colossal 
chief of the Northwest, was the mighty spirit of this for- 
midable conspiracy. The preparations for war were kept pro- 
foundly secret. Hatred of the English was excited to the 
highest pitch by stories of their rapacity and cruelty. Sud- 
denly the terrible storm burst. An English party sounding 
the entrance to Lake Huron was seized and murdered. Seven 
Indians admitted into the port at Sandusky as friends, in an 
unsuspecting moment, murdered the entire garrison, save its 
commander, whom they carried away a prisoner. The fort at 
the mouth of the St. Joseph was entered by Indians under the 
guise of friendship, and in about two minutes all the garrison 
except three men were massacred. At Mackinaw, with simi- 



SOS HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

lar deception, the fort was seized and all were murdered or 
borne away prisoners. The forts and garrisons at Lafayette, 
Indiana, and at Presqu'ile met the same horrible fate. Fort 
Le Bceuf, on the headwaters of the Allegheny, was attacked, 
but in the night the commander and garrison escaped secretly 
into the woods, while the Indians believed them all buried in 
the flames of the burning fort. As the fugitives passed Ve- 
nango on their way to Fort Pitt, they saw nothing but ruins. 
The fort at that place was consumed, and not one of its garri- 
son was left alive to tell the story of its destruction. Eight 
haggard and half-famished soldiers dying from fright and ex- 
haustion, the remnant of the men who escaped from Fort Le 
Bceuf, staggered to the walls of Fort Pitt, bringing news of the 
coming tide of savages. They roamed the wilderness massa- 
cring all whom they met. More than one hundred traders 
were met in the woods, struck down, scalped, their bodies 
horribly mutilated, and their life-blood quaffed in savage glee. 
They laid siege to Fort Pitt, . . . but were beaten off after 
a hard day's fighting. . . . Rumors of these disastei-s and of 
the coming foe reached the country east of the mountains. 
. . . On Sunday, July 3, 1763, a soldier riding express from 
Fort Pitt galloped into Carlisle and alighted to water his 
horse at a well in the centre of the place. A crowd of country 
men were instantly about him to hear the news. ' Presqu'ile, 
Le Bceuf, and Venango are taken, and the Indians will be 
here soon,' he cried. Remounting his horse in haste, he rode 
on to make his report at the camp of Col. Boquet, who was 
raising a force for defense. All was consternation and excite- 
ment. . . . Every pathway and road leading into Carlisle 
was filled with the flying settlers flocking thither for refuge. 
. . . The Indian war parties at length broke out of the 
woods like gangs of hungry wolves, murdering, burning, and 
laying waste on every hand, while hundreds of terror-stricken 
families abandoning their homes fled for refuge toward the 
older settlements. Outrages were perpetrated and sufferings 
endured which defy all attempts at description. Cumberland 
County, which at that time formed the western frontier of 
Pennsylvania, was almost exclusively occupied by the de- 
scendants of the thrifty colony of Scotch, who for many 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 309 

years had occupied the north of Ireland, and were Presby- 
terians. These acquitted themselves admirably in their own 
defense. The march of Col. Boquet in 1764 and the victory of 
Bushy Run, some twenty-five miles from Fort Pitt, dispirited 
the Indian warriors and caused a temporary lull. Afterwards, 
when they saw they were in the power of Boquet, they 
reluctantly sued for peace. Twelve days were given them to 
deliver up all prisoners in their hands — Englishmen, French- 
men, women and children, and to furnish them with clothing, 
provisions, and horses to carry them to Fort Pitt. They 
hastened to fulfill the conditions, and upwards of two hundred 
were collected at the camp of Boquet. Many affecting inci- 
dents are on record of those who had become enamored of the 
wild forest life, and some even had to be borne back by force. 
When the army reached Carlisle, people met them there in 
great numbers to inquire for the friends they had lost. . . . 
As the Indian tribes retreated, this hardy, freedom-loving race 
moved forward and took possession of the country. In the 
latter part of the eighteenth century we find them going 
south into Virginia, west to Kentucky, and a few families to 
the shores of Lake Erie. Dr. Thomas H. Robinson refers to 
several of our prominent divines, as Rev. Dr. Matthew Brown, 
at one time President of Jefferson College, Rev. D. H. 
Riddle, D.D., Rev. Francis Herron, D.D,, the Hon. J. G. 
Blaine, and Col. Ephraim Blaine, of the Revolution, being qf 
the same family or having intermarried, as in Northeast the 
families of Moorhead and Mills." 

We have given this lengthy account to show what sufferings 
the ancestors of some of the best Erie County people endured, 
how a kind Providence preserved a remnant, and to contrast 
those trying times with the peaceful present. 

LE BOEUF. 

A very interesting visit was paid to Col. P. E. Judson, still 
landlord of the Eagle Hotel, Waterford, in the summer of 
1892. A vestige of Fort Le Boeuf still remains, being the 
cellar with remnants of its stone wall as originally laid (Maj. 
Martin Strong selected a specimen with a shell impress for 
a cabinet). A chapter of the "Daughters of the Revolution " 



310 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

should have charge of it, though the quiet inhabitants 
have been very kind — the charm is to see it in its un- 
remodeled condition and full of tall weeds. When it was in 
good condition in 1796 there were four block houses with no 
light from outside, but an underground passageway crossed 
the road diagonally to a spring. A picture of the fortifica- 
tions hangs in the hall of the hotel. Col. Judson has lived in 
Waterford since he was fourteen years of age and for many 
years has occupied the fort as a public house. A cannonball 
that had served at his front door for seventy years was at last 
stolen a few months ago, and now a sword, very rusty but 
beautifully chased, is kept under lock and key ; a tailor's goose 
also was found upon the premises and was gilded and de- 
posited with other relics of the olden time in Washington. 
There is not a more beautiful drive than from Waterford south 
to Cambridgeboro. 

An Erie merchant writes : 

"Erie, Sept. 10, 1813. 
" Dear Brother : 

" I have been waiting all summer to get some news worth 
relating, but have been disappointed in this. It has been 
busy times here this summer. The Navy Department have 
built two brigs of 400 tons, carrying 18-32 carronades each, and 
four large gunboats carrying one and two long heavy cannon. 
There has been stationed here one regiment of Pennsylvania 
militia, about 800 men, and the militia have been called out 
frequently from the country in cases of alarm. The British 
squadron has been hovering round the mouth of the harbor 
frequently through the summer, sometimes near enough to 
exchange shots with the gunboats and batteries, but no dam- 
age has been done. Our squadron, consisting of ten sail, left 
this on the 12th ult., and are now off Sandusky, probably, 
waiting for Gen. Harrison to make a descent on Maiden, 
which I think will be in a few days. I think it doubtful 
which will carry the day, as the English are rather superior 
on the lake and strongly fortified at Maiden, where the fleet 
now lies." 

"Erie, March 4, 1814. 

" Sirs: — Since my last, nothing of importance has transpired 



'history of ERIE COUNTY. 311 

in this vicinity until by tlie arrival of a gentleman on Monday 
evening last from the westward, who brings us the news that 
a considerable British force was on the march for Detroit. 
My informant saw a man who left Detroit on the 16tli ult., 
who states that on the night of the 15th, a corps of British 
soldiers had crossed the St. Clair River about fifty miles from 
Detroit, and Avere marching down. That about four hundred 
Indians were coming down on the Canada side and that the in- 
habitants were in great confusion, endeavoring to save their 
lives and property. The commanding officer, Col. Croghan, 
would not permit any of the inhabitants to take shelter in the 
fort, it being too small to protect the inhabitants and make 
defense. An order had been issued to burn Maiden and Sand- 
wich, the first at ten and the other at eight o'clock on the 
15th. From other sources we are informed that a heavy can- 
nonading was heard at the river Raisin and at Vermillion on 
the 18th in the direction of Detroit. We were informed a few 
days since by express from Sackett's Harbor that a British 
regular force of 1,500 men and 500 seamen had passed that 
place from the westward. These circumstances and others, 
particularly that the most loyal inhabitants near Detroit 
have moved into the interior, leave but little room to doubt 
that an attack has been made. Through an interposition of 
Providence we have been permitted to remain unmolested thus 
far (except by the patriotic militia from the neighboring coun- 
ties), the ice on the lake not having been strong enough for an 
array to come here, and the winter is so far spent that we ap- 
prehend no danger until the spring opens." 

"In answer to your note," writes a pioneer March 30, 1861, 
" I would say that I know of no person nor can I learn of any 
person who attempted to reside in this county previous to the 
year 1795. Mr. Wm. Miles, I believe, was the first— at least he 
was the first settler so far as lean learn. Mr. Miles settled on 
the flats of French Creek- at a point where two or more roads 
cross, a little northwest of the place where the Stranahans 
now live in Concord township, in the month of June, 1795. 
Accompanying him were his wife and children and Mr. Wm. 
Cook's family. The irregular manner in which Mr. Miles' 
children were carried is worthy of especial notice. A sack 



312 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

was made, open in the side instead of the end ; the sack was 
thrown across the horse, a child placed in each end of it, and 
in this manner they were conveyed to Concord from Frank- 
lin, Venango County. Mrs. Miles carried her youngest child 
before her on the horse. Mr. Miles resided in Concord town- 
ship about five years, removing in 1800 to a place which he 
called Union Mills, from the fact of a saw and gristmill being 
built there. The nearest station was eight miles distant. 
All provisions in 1795 were carried by means of pack horses 
from Pittsburg to Concord township. After the year 1795 
provisions were brought up the Allegheny River, thence by its 
tributaries to Union Mills. In the year 1796 families named 
Hull, McCrea, Wilson, and Findley settled in the neighbor- 
hood of Union Mills. A Mr. Stephen Oliver settled near there 
in the latter part of 1795 ; but before I forget I would remark 
that Mrs. Miles and her sister Mrs. Cook were the two first 
white women in the County of Erie. Families by name of 
Hamilton and Reeder settled in and about Edinboro between 
the years 1795 and 1800. They were the first settlers at that 
particular point. Lexington was first laid out by McNair 
and others, the time I do not remember. In 1796 Mr. Wm. 
Miles commenced clearing land, and built himself in addition 
to his dwelling house, a store for the storing of provisions 
on the tract of laud where Wattsburg now stands. In the 
same year families by the name of Tracy and Reed (Adam 
Reed) built a small gristmill on the east branch of French 
Creek, and surveyed the tract of land known as ' Tenth Dona- 
tion Tract.' Mr. Wm. Miles and Mr. David Watts were ap- 
pointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania (Mifflin, I think) in 
the year 1785 to the survey. Their provisions being procured 
in Harrisburg were packed on horses and conveyed to a point 
near Wattsburg. An incident happened which might be 
worthy of note. The duties of the surveyors being severe 
they employed an Indian in the capacity of general cook and 
to furnish meat, etc. Mr. Indian, as is natural to the race, 
in time became reinarkably lazy in his endeavors to procure 
meat, giving as his excuse the scarcity of it in the ivilderness, 
but the trick was carried too far, and Messrs. Miles and Watt-; 
becoming cognizant that he was deceiving them cut short his 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 313 

allowance of food, which brought the ' native of the forest ' to 
a strict sense of his duty, which he never afterwards neg- 
lected." 

An original surveyor writes : 

" Franklin, February 6, 1862. 

". . To your first query, 'How long were you making 
survey?' etc., I answer, we were engaged all summer ; in the 
fall I went home to my father's. To the second, I answer, 
Rutledge and his son were out looking for land to settle, and 
in going from Le Boeuf to Erie were by the Indians shot and 
murdered within one mile or thereabouts from Presqu'ile and 
on the path leading from Le Boeuf to Presqu'ile. The elder 
Rutledge was killed on the spot ; the young man was taken to 
Le Boeuf and taken care of by the surgeon of the fort, Dr. 
Thomas R. Kennedy, and lived but a few days. You ask. Why 
did they venture so far from the fort ? It was common for 
travelers to travel the path in small companies, but very often 
dangerous on account of hostile Indians from the upper lakes, 
prowling through the woods to plunder and murder. I often 
saw signs of them when running lines in various parts of the 
district. I will give you an anecdote. One night about eight 
or ten miles from our main camp at P., tve, our compass and 
hands, had encamped as usual for the night ; after taking our 
supper we lay down by a good fire. In about half an hour we 
were alarmed by our dog running from the fire and barking 
very fiercely. We were very apprehensive that Indians were 
about, and concluded to move from the fire and lie down 
where we pleased. Each one of us took his own course ; I 
went about one hundred yards from the fire, and with my 
blanket around me laid me down by the side of a large log. In 
about half of an hour the dog who had been near the fire, ran 
with great speed from the fire after something, and directly 
we found it to be deer, as they scented so as to satisfy me it 
was so. I arose and called the boys to come to the fire; all 
came and we fell fast asleep and rested quietly until morning. 
But I often conversed with Seneca Indians who told me that 

there were hostile Indians in the district I will 

mention one thing further : Shortly after we got to Erie, 
perhaps in June or July, the State Commissioners came out to 



314 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

lay out the town, and about the same time the United States 
troops arrived to build the fort. However, I think it must 
have been about the first of June that Rutledge was killed. I 
am sorry I cannot furnish you with more items. Your object 
is a laudable one, and if you could give the circumstances of 
the country, it would be interesting. The young people now 
enjoying the blessings of civilization and refinement knoAV 
but little of the privations the early pioneers suffered. 

" William Connely." 
We cannot do better than copy from the Erie Dispatch, 1891, 
a description of the annual outing of the Natural History 
Society for some of our boldest scenery: "On leaving the 
morning Lake Shore train at Fairview station, Mr. G. I. How- 
ard's fourhorse vehicle was in waiting to take the party to his 
residence and stone quarry at Fall's Run, about six miles south 
of Fairview. The route lay through a pleasant farming 
country and over a succession of hills, rising higher and 
higher until an elevation was reached of several hundred feet 
above the surface of Lake Erie. The creek is the largest 
stream in Erie County, and to members of the* State Geo- 
logical Survey it has been the most interesting. It rises on 
the highlands south of Erie City and runs in a westerly 
direction, fifteen or twenty miles to a point south of Girard, 
where it forms a great oxbow curve around a long narrow 
ridge of rocks one hundred feet in height, known as the 
' Devil's Backbone,' and then runs north through Girard to 
Lake Erie. The reason Elk Creek took a western direction 
while other streams that rose near that line ran directly north 
into the lake is because a high ridge lies between them, run- 
ning parallel with the lake shore and named by the Geological 
Survey, 'First Divide.' From this watershed the rainfall on 
the north side runs into the lake through Mill Creek and 
other small streams, while the rainfall on the opposite side 
goes south into Elk Creek. In this stream is the second and 
most important subject of interest to the geologist, in having 
cut a deej) channel in the rocks with perpendicular walls 
more than one hundred feet in height, and a personal inspec- 
tion of the vertical walls has been made and the result pub- 
lished by members of the State Geological Survey. This is 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 315 

also an interesting stream to sight-seers. Not only are the 
great oxbow bend, the 'Devil's Backbone,' and further down 
the creek the 'Devil's Nose,' a high promontory of ashen 
gray rocks exhibiting that little-known mineral, cone-in-cone, 
jutting out from the vertical walls, but also the deep valley 
sloping gracefully away to the uplands which are, apparently, 
above the universal horizon. Here numerous landscapes 
along the entire water courses are as diversified with sheep, 
horses, and grazing cattle, clumps of bushes and shade trees, 
grain fields and farm buildings as any, perhaps, that may be 
seen in Northern Pennsylvania. There are many places 
where the air is fragrant with wild flowers, mint leaves and 
wintergreen, spice bushes, coniferous trees, and sweet birches. 
After crossing Elk Creek the party soon arrived at Fall's Run, 
and were driven into the maple grove in front of Mr. 
Howard's residence, where we were made welcome for the 
day. Mr. Howard showed us his creamiery, ice house, and 
stone quarry, where we obtained many beautiful fossil shells 
and fossil marine plants. 

"This quarry," Mr. Howard said, "is the northern outcrop 
of the Pennsylvania third oil sand about five hundred feet 
above the surface of Lake Erie. A lady asked ' Why is there 
no oil here?' His reply was, ' These rocks are the highest part 
of the strata, so hard and so fine that they can contain no oil. 
As the stratum dips down under the surface toward the oil- 
fields it becomes softer and coarser and so porous that it can 
hold an ocean of oil.' This corresponds with the Geological 
Survey. Some time was spent in looking at the waterfall. It 
is forty feet in height and sixty feet in breadth. The water 
cascades beautifully over the brink and down through a dark, 
narrow gulch about ninety feet in depth and pours itself into 
Elk Creek, singing its own glad song as it goes. Near the 
cascade is a mineral spring, clear, cool, and tasting fairly. It 
is said to be very healthy. Mr. Howard is not only an intelli- 
gent farmer and dairyman and quarry man, but is also an 
intelligent geologist. He did all he could to make our visit as 
pleasant as possible, and he and his family have the thanks of 
the entire company. 

" There are hundreds of ravines in Erie County, The site 



316 HISTORY OP ERIE COUNTY. 

of Erie City was foruierly gashed with them, but some are 
now entirely obliterated by refuse earth and other materials 
which have been deposited there from time to time, making 
them level with the surrounding earth. Upon such a new 
formed surface the City Hall and the Reed House square have 
been built. One of the ravines outside the city is now being 
used for another purpose. The Eighth Street motor ear track 
has been extended from the Catholic Cemetery, accross the 
fields to a deep ravine situated about two hundred yards 
southwest of the head of Presque Isle Bay. The track con- 
tinues on down through the ravine, where it curves around 
toward the east to the Massassauga Hotel. The descent is 
gradual, the rails are permanently laid, the gulch is cleared of 
fallen trees and bowlders, and its sides are dense with forest 
trees, twining vines, and flowers. A small crystal stream 
chatters its rights of passage from a small spring at the head 
down to the bay, where is a cool and refreshing lake breeze 
and an enchanting view of the lake. 

*' At a deptli of three or four feet below the upper surface of 
the dark sand a fluid oozes out very slowly from a seam, hav- 
ing a metallic scum on the surface, tinged with a mixture of 
iron, copper and zinc. This stratum descends also with the 
track, showing how much the deposit was inclined toward the 
lake when this part of the earth was two or three hundred 
feet lower than it is now — so low that the high land along 
Twenty-sixth Street became the shore of a broad ocean many 
times wider than the waters of Lake Erie. 

"T. D. I." 

"Five miles from the Erie Union Depot the railway makes 
a true curve on the very brink of a 100-foot gulf, through which 
the Four Mile Creek descends to Lake Erie at the rate of about 
100 feet per mile. The gulch is about 100 feet in depth and wide 
enough to be called a valley. This location is unrivalled for a 
picnic ; the horizontal branches, forty feet in length, afford 
shade for the tables, the open, smooth grass jDlots are broad 
enough for baseball, football, and tennis, while the even, 
rocky bed of the meandering stream makes wading delightful 
for many children. There is ample room for strolling in all 
directions to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Passing a mile 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 317 

further up the stream we find groves and open spaces and 
reach the famous Wintergreen Gulch. In some places the 
banks are sufficiently sloping for the growth of shrubbery and 
forest trees, while the bank opposite is so precipitous and 
rocky that no kind of vegetation can take root. The face of 
the wall above shows the strata to be composed of alternate 
layers of sandstone and shale each several inches in thickness, 
but near the bottom the shale is several feet in thickness, 
and caused by the elements to break into thin scales no larger 
than the finger nail, which are Avashed away by every rainfall. 
Here and there are great bowlders in the valley and bed of 
the stream. They are of different kinds of rock, and en- 
tirely unlike any of the foundation rocks in this part of the 
country. They were formed in some past age of the world, 
and transported to this locality from some foreign country. 
There are, however, other loose rocks which were broken from 
the foundation rocks of this country, and crop out one or two 
miles south of these picnic grounds. They were brought 
down the gulch by ice and powerful floods. Some of the 
blocks are eighteen or more inches in thickness, and are filled 
through and through with beautiful fossil shells. 

"T. D. I." 

Lake Pleasant, in Amity township (and via Wattsburg 
18| miles from Erie), is several hundred feet above Lake Erie, 
which is a still greater height above the ocean, ridges and 
valleys succeeding one another. As seen from high hills, the 
landscape is exceedingly beautiful, and a great distance ap- 
pears between the observer and the horizon. 

Lake Pleasant, near the corners of Venango, Green, Amity, 
and Waterford, is a beautiful body of water about three fourths 
of a mile long and a thii-d of a mile wide, with a depth of 
twenty-five to fifty feet. Its outlet is a stream about the size 
of Le Boeuf Creek at AVaterford, that never diminishes except 
in the dryest season. After furnishing power to several mills 
it falls into French Creek about three miles south, in Amity 
township. The wooden bridge over the West Branch at 
Wattsburg was the first bridge of the county and was origin- 
ally built by the County Commissioners in 1822, through the 
influence of William Miles. 



318 HISTOKY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Dr. Ingersoll speaks poetically of the green woods and silent 
waters of the peninsula — Erie's wild natural park and pleasure 
ground. Since permanent habitation upon Presqu'ile has 
been forbidden by the United States government it has be- 
come wilder by the growth of plants in the trails made by 
pedestrians. If it would now transform this water-bound 
tongue of land into a public park with modern improvements, 
it would become a charming resort for health seekers and 
lovers of nature who live at a distance, as well as for those 
who dwell in its immediate vicinity. In this secluded and 
wild locality there is much that is interesting to the zoologist, 
the botanist, and the sportsman. Wild birds of various 
species visit the peninsula semi-annually for food and rest as 
they migrate to and from distant parts of the country, both 
north and south, and many are the victims of sportsmen. As 
a variety of crafts and steamers in the warm season pass on 
both sides, the views through the trees and open spaces 
present pictures at various points of observation worthy of 
transfer to canvas and with exquisite color. 

'* Sixteen Mile Creek takes its rise in Greenfield township, 
within a mile of French Creek, passes the borough on its west 
side, and enters the lake at Freeport. Its length is about ten 
miles, and its general course due north. About two and a 
half miles south of the borough, Sixteen Mile Creek is joined 
by Graham Creek, which rises in New York, and is perhaps 
four miles long. At the point of junction there is a " hogs- 
back " which is nearly perpendicular on the east side. The 
gully at the " hogsback " is not far from two hundred feet 
deep. The heads of Twenty Mile Creek are in Chautauqua 
County, N. Y., and its mouth is near the northeast corner of 
Northeast township, Pennsylvania. It enters the State 
about a mile above the crossing of the Lake Shore Railroad, 
and must have a lengtli of ten or twelve miles. The deep gulf 
of this stream, which attracts so much attention from travelers 
begins three or four miles south of the Lake Shore Railroad 
culvert, and continues nearly to the lake, some three miles 
further by tlie windings of the creek. Its deptli where the 
railroad crosses is about one hundred feet. The culvert at this 
point is a mammoth work and one of the finest pieces of ma- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. _ 319 

sonry iu the country. The Nickel Plate road has a tine iron 
bridge some distance above. The gully on the headwaters of 
Sixteen Mile Creelv is nowhere as abrupt as that of Twenty 
Mile Creeli, except at tlie junction above referred to. From 
Moorheadville to its mouth tlae Twelve Mile Creek has steep 
banks. 

" A wonderful curiosity is to be found on Elk Creek where 
it makes a great oxbow bend around a very high point of 
rocks, hundreds of feet above the surface of Lake Erie. It is 
seventeen miles southwest from Erie, and a delightful drive. 
Arriving at the creek is a winding wagon path uj) to a plateau 
owned by Mr. Blair, and through cultivated fields to the mid- 
dle of the bend where the promontory-like formation termi- 
nates in a long knife-blade ridge of bare rocks on which one 
may balance himself with a foot over a precipice on each 
side. Some are brave enough to attempt to walk the ridge 
single-file, and succeed without accident, though life depends 
on proper balance of the body — a single misstep would send 
one headlong to the bed of the creek more than a hundred 
feet below. This has been named the ' Devil's Backbone ' 
and on the other side of the creek is another high rocky point 
called the ' Devil's Nose.' " — From History of Erie County y 
1884. Published by Warner & Co., Chicago. 



CHAPTER II. 



Magnitude of the Great Lakes — Lake Currents — ^ish Exhibit — 
Hatcheries — Ancient Mariner — The Lighthouses — Flash Light- 
hotise — Lifesaving Station — Watenvorks — War for the Union — 
Soldiers and Sailors^ Home. 

From the Marine Review. 

The story of a captain who took a schooner across the At- 
lantic with a cargo of wheat from the lakes, and being unable 
to get insured for the return trip, because no information of 
the great lake ports was to be found, is well known, as is also 
the one about English underwriters being surprised that lake 
vessels were navigated at night instead of tying up along the 



320 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

" bank," but a recent instance more interesting is given by a 
New York engineer. He accompanied Mr. Jolmson, tlie Eng- 
lisli capitalist interested in tlie building of whalebacks in Eng- 
land, on his first trip up the lakes. While in the rivers Mr. 
Johnson asked if they would not reach Duluth I)y nightfall. 
When told he would have to pass through two large lakes on 
which he would be out of sight of land for several hours and 
cover some 600 miles, he shook his head and wondered. Xear- 
ing the end of his journey he ventured to suggest that it 
couldn't be far from the Pacific Ocean, but subsided when 
told that the halfway point in crossing the continent was still 
several hundred miles west of him. Some foreigners, as well 
as eastern business men, have had their doubts dispelled as to 
the immense traffic of the lakes, but many are still woefully 
ignorant of that as well as of their great area. The following 
will give an idea of the magnitude of the great lakes : 

" The water surface of Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, Mich- 
igan and Superior, and connecting waterway's, is 95,275 square 
miles, while the area of Great Britain, England, Scotland and 
Wales combined is only 88,781 square miles. The coast lines of 
the great lakes contain more than half the fresh water on the 
globe, and have a combined length of 3,075 miles. It is 1,279 
miles from Ogdensburg to Duluth, and from the northern 
shore of Lake Superior to the southern end of Lake Michigan 
is 520 miles. The distance from Chicago to Liverpool is 4,500 
miles, one half of which is covered by the great lakes and St. 
Lawrence River. From the Straits of Belle Isle to Duluth, 
at the head of Lake Superior, is 2,259J miles. From the 
Straits of Belle Isle to Kingston, Lake Ontario, is 1,164 miles. 
From Kingston to Duluth it is 1,186 miles, over one half of 
the distance from the Straits of Belle Isle across the Atlantic 
to Liverpool." 

Observer W. B. Stockman, of the Cleveland Weather 
Bureau, has received for distribution among vessel masters 
and others interested in the welfare of the lake marine, a large 
number of copies of the newly issued current chart of the 
great lakes. This chart is the result of the effort put forth by 
the department last season to ascertain the trend of currents 
believed to exist on the vast sheets of inland water. At the 



1 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 321 

suggestion of Dr. H. J. Penrod, then marine agent of the 
Weather Bureau, with headquarters in Cleveland, a number 
of bottles were purchased from a Pittsburg firm that manu- 
factured them to order. They much resembled what is known 
as a pop or ginger beer bottle, save that they were fitted with 
an ordinary cork. They were so blown that the weight was 
such as to immerse the bottle except about half an inch of the 
neck, leaving the smallest proportion possible to be affected by 
surplus influences. The bottles were packed in boxes, each 
box containing twenty-five bottles, and issued to masters of 
lake boats. The masters were instructed to drop bottles over 
board in certain localities, first filling out a blank containing 
the date, hour, and location of the casting away of the bottle, 
the paper being placed inside. Inside each bottle was another 
blank, with a franked envelope, which the finder was requested 
to fill out, naming the day and hour, and the spot where the 
bottle had been found. 

The plan was carried out thoroughly in all its details, and 
the envelopes placed in three fourths of the bottles issued 
eventually found their way to Washington. In fact, so many 
more were returned than had been expected that the artist 
found considerable difficulty in making clear use of the infor- 
mation contained, and this delayed the issue of the charts. 
The charts just issued show excellent lithographic work. 
They are of the same size as the wreck chart issued last year, 
and give the outline of the lakes in blue upon an orange back- 
ground, the degrees of latitude and longitude being very 
plainly marked. 

In the upper right-hand corner, on a salmon-colored back- 
ground, is a smaller map of the lakes, showing the general set 
of the currents as indicated by the drifting of the bottles, and 
giving a fair idea of the directions in M'hich the water circu- 
lates. The light blue which indicates the water in the large 
chart is adorned with what at first glance appears to be a 
meteoric shower, in a darker blue. Small circles show the 
localities where some of the bottles, selected for the purpose of 
illustration, were thrown overboard, and lines follow their 
course to the spot where the bottles were picked up, this 
being indicated by an arrowhead. While the courses of the 



322 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

bottles were in many cases determined by tlie flow of the 
water through the rivers, a surprisingly large number took 
such apparently independent courses as to clearlj' argue the 
existence of very definite and permanent currents. The 
bottles cast overboard at Duluth started down Lake Superior, 
but in several instances showed a decided inclination, after 
passing Apostle Islands, to turn back toward Ashland. After 
passing Keweenaw some drifted in toward Marquette ; others 
took a more or less direct course for Whitefish Bay and the 
headwaters of the Sault ; while by far the greatest proportion 
were cast upon the inhospitable coast extending from Gi'and 
Marais to Whitefish Point. Remarkable exceptions to all 
these were noted, however, in bottles dropped overboard be- 
tween Keweenaw Point and Point au Sable, these taking a 
northeasterly direction, and crossing the courses followed by 
other bottles, drifting upon the Canadian shore nortli and 
east of the Caribon Islands. 

On Lake Michigan, bottles cast away between Beaver 
Islands and the entrance to Green Bay drifted toward the 
latter and foiuid the shore for the most part at the north end 
of Green Bay. At the south end of the bay the water had 
little motion, and no bottles ever got out of it. The general 
drift of the bottles showed a current up the west shore, but 
steadily turning to the east shore and flowing back toward tlie 
straits, passing out through*the south passage almost exclu- 
sively. On Lake Huron the courses were the most varied, 
the principal drifts being southeastward or southwestward. 
The bottles passed into Saginaw Bay at the lower side, then 
turned and came out at the north side, explaining the con- 
stant rough seas found at the mouth of this baj". Many 
bottles thrown overboard on the west side of Lake Huron 
found their way through the narrow island passages into 
Georgian Bay and were then washed ashore. 

Bottles dropped in Detroit River showed currents setting 
against the north shore to Point au Pelee, and against the 
west shore far into Maumee Bay. Bottles coming through 
the north passage found the shore between Lorain and 
Buffalo. Those dropped overboard in midlake west of Lorain 
took a soutliwesterlj' course. Bottles starting from tli« locality 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 323 

where the Wocoken foundered, even when dropped close to 
the Canadian shore, drifted down past Long Point and ulti- 
mately reached the south shore. The drifting wreckage and 
bodies from this steamer have constantly followed the same 
course. 

On Lake Ontario the bottles have uniformly taken a south- 
easterly course, most of them drifting upon the New York 
shore. 

Chief Mark W. Harrington, of the Weather Bureau, in 
issuing his chart, expresses the hope that it may prove of 
material value to those interested in lake navigation, and ex- 
tends the thanks of the bureau to the many persons, masters 
of vessels and others, who have aided in the work. The study 
of currents is to be continued, and the bureau hopes for the 
same cooperation and assistance in the future as in 1892. 

FROM PENNSYLVANIA'S FISH EXHIBIT AT THE WORLD'S CO- 
LUMBIAN EXPOSITION. 

By Col. John Fleeharty, of Erie. 

Although Pennsylvania has but forty-five miles of frontage 
on Lake Erie, its interests in the fisheries of these waters are 
considerable, the City of Erie, a flourishing town on this 
great waterway, doing the bulk of the trade. 

Upper Mill Creek, Walnut Creek and Trout Run were noted 
for their fine fishing in the memory of many now living. All 
the sti'eams in Erie County were prolific in fish, and all of 
them contained many brook trout. . , . Log canoes for 
fishing purposes were as much a necessity to the early settlers 
along the lake as log cabins to shelter their families, and each 
went fishing as his wants required. 

In 1796, some twenty or thirty Indian families belonging to 
the Seneca tribe resided at the head of the bay, now known as 
" the Head," or Massassauga Point, and were the first fisher- 
men on the lake in Northwestern Pennsylvania. This was 
the last Indian village in Erie County. After their departure 
the site was occupied by a halfbreed negro named McKinney 
who lived by fishing. He subsequently removed to the upper 
Laird farm, and one of his daughters married Ben Flem- 
ing, who was the last survivor of Perry's fleet residing in 



324 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Pennsylvania. Following him came Moses Muzzy, and then 
Ben Fleming, both of whom made their living by fish- 
ing in the bay from log canoes. Black bass abounded, and 
with all varieties were taken with the hook prior to 1830. 
David Fowzier at that time became the first seine fisherman. 
The ponds in the peninsula and Pike Pond on the south side 
of the bay near the harbor entrance were the spawning 
grounds for a large variety of fish, particularly grass pike 
and some fine turtles. They lay upon the bottom, in about 
two and a half feet of water and were taken by shooting or 
spearing ; some were of extraordinary size. 

Hon. James Hoskinson contributed some interesting items 
for Col. Fleeharty's article. About 1824-26 small vessels went 
from Erie to Mackinaw in the fall to fish for white fish and 
trout. Having cured and packed them in barrels they re- 
turned to Erie and a good market was found for them, and 
many were shipped to Pittsburg. There were eight or ten 
vessels engaged in this trade for several years. Messrs. Seth 
Reed, P. 8. V. Hamot and Capt. John Dixon had vessels so 
engaged. Capt. John Dixon built the first dock and ware- 
house, and from there all of the limited fish business was 
transacted. For many years the names of Horton, Hunts- 
burger and Buckingham also were connected with seine fish- 
ing. Little or no fishing was done in the lake, as the bay 
abounded. Misery Bay and the mouth of Mill Creek have 
always been fine places for rock bass fishing as well as sunfish 
and perch. The first white fishing at this point was in 1853 ; 
the first shippers were George Witter and John Sutter & Co. 

In 1867 there were only nine fish boats out of Erie, and the 
first steam fish boat came to Erie from Ashtabula, Ohio, in 
1874 or '75. 

Capt. Clark Jones says : " Commenced gill net fishing in 
1854 or '55. White fish was shipped east and west about 1856. 
At that time sturgeons were considered of no use and were 
taken to the peninsula and buried. Thousands have been 
buried there and to-day they are worth two dollars and fifty 
cents each. Smoked sturgeon is considered fully equal to 
smoked halibut, and the roe makes an excellent 'caviare.' 
Each fish yields from twelve to fourteen pounds. The meat is 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 325 

mostly seut to Sandusky, Ohio, for curing and smoking and is 
worth from five to eight cents a pound for tliat purpose. 
Though formerly thrown away this fish is now scarce and 
valuable. The Dash family is a family of fishermen of four 
generations. Capt. John Dash gave interesting items, as also 
William Terry, Capts. Jones and Wick. They speak of black 
bass, the gamiest fish in the lakes, becoming more and more 
scarce ; herrings though plentiful are not as much so as for- 
merly, but a great many are salted along the lakes. The mus- 
calonge used to be quite plentiful in this vicinity — the largest 
one taken was sixty-two pounds — the average weight is 
twenty-five to thirty pounds. 

"Mr. E. D. Carter embarked in the business of fishing and 
shipping fish in 1874, and to him is given the credit of open- 
ing up a permanent market abroad. Shipments of fish pre- 
vious to this were at times when there was an overplus on the 
market. Mr. Louis Strueber went into the business in 1877, 
and the two were for years the only shippers from Erie. 
Frank W. Bacon & Co. have also been large shippers for some 
years. 

" On the 24th of September, 1892, the Erie Fish Association 
was formed by consolidation of the following houses : E. D. 
Carter, Louis Strueber, Frank W. Bacon & Co., and E. Knob- 
lock & Co. The first day after the consolidation the catch of 
fish was forty-eight tons. The statistical account on the lake, 
in Pennsylvania for 1892 shows that 28 steam fish boats, 14 
sail boats, 40 pound nets, boats, etc., employ §250,000 total 
capital, and 500 men. An accurate account of the fish taken 
for commercial purposes during 1892 has been kept, the total 
number of pounds being 12,786,579. The hen-ing was highest 
in number, being 8,300,633, and blue pike the next, 2,968,059, 
while black bass was only 4,286 and sturgeon 90,702, white fish 
524,428, and trout 131,337." 

STATE FISH HATCHERY. 

In Erie is a beautiful cottage on the corner of Second and 
Sassafras streets under the supervision of the Fish Connnis- 
sion, and was opened in December, 1885, to propagate white 
fish in Erie waters. As liundreds of thousands of dollars are 



326 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

invested and a small army of men employed in the fish- 
ing business liere, and there is also a wholesale destruction of 
spawn by sturgeons, as well as in the natural way, this is 
essential to keep up the supply. It is supposed one large 
sturgeon will consume millions of fish eggs in a day, which if 
undisturbed would be comiDaratively safe after hatching. 

After entering a pleasant reception room the remainder of 
the floor is devoted to propagating purposes. On several long 
counters or tables are placed glass jars, each containing one 
gallon. One quart of spawn is put in each jar, which is filled 
with water and sealed airtight, excepting as two rubber tubes 
with glass nozzles run in a supply of fresh water, which keeps 
the whole in luotion. Hy an ingenious plan all the " dead " 
spawn is removed also by the discharge tube. On the second 
floor a tank containing 1,000 gallons of water affords pressure. 
After hatching the small fry are ke^jt in the jars about a week, 
when they are liberated in the lake, perhaps ten miles out. 
The Erie hatchery has the capacity for bringing out .30,000,000 
small fry in a season. Rock bass, catfish, and when the season 
closes for white fish, blue pike are sometimes placed in the 
hatching jars. 

The hatchery is under the supervision of the State Fish 
Commission, one or more members visiting it monthly, and 
the entire board makes an annual inspection. The Erie 
hatchery is in charge of Mr. John Maher, an enthusiast in 
fish culture. 

"Ancient Mariner, ^^ 1S93. 

In 1837 the steamboat Urie was built by the Erie Steamboat 
Company at the foot of French Street, in the borough of Erie. 
Thomas G. Colt and Smith Jackson, being the chief men of 
the company, sold out in 1888 and 1839 to Gen. C. M. Reed. 
August 9, 1841, she was destroyed by fire off Silver Creek, N. 
Y., two hundred and forty-nine persons being lost, twenty -six 
being residents of Erie. . . . 

Previous to the completion of the railroads on both sides of 
the lake, the New York Central and New Y'ork and Erie 
railroads built a class of steamers which for speed, elegance, 
and safety were marvels indeed. At the decline afterwaros of 
passenger traffic, by the completion of railroads on the north 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 327 

and south shore, the propellers appeared which to-day are 
fine, large, seaworthy vessels, built and equipped regardless of 
expense, and in every respect fully equal to the best of ocean 
steamers. Iron ship building was coinnienced in 1862. The 
propeller and consort system was first established in 1870, and 
has become a great factor in solving the question of cheap 
transportation. 

The navy has but one ship on the chain of lakes, the 
Michigan. The supply steamers of tlie lighthouse service are 
under the control of the Navy Department. Capt, John 
Richards built the first revenue cutter, Benjamin Bttsh, Avhich 
was commanded by Capt. Gilbert Knapp, who was succeeded 
by Capt. Daniel Dobbins. The second was the Urie, which 
was succeeded by the iron steamer Dallas. This vessel was 
removed to the Atlantic coast by way of the Welland Canal 
and the St. Lawrence River in 1848. The six small revenue cut- 
ters, being one for each lake, at the outbreak of the war of 1861 
were moved to the Atlantic coast under the direction of Capt. 
Douglass Ottinger by way of the Welland Canal. In 1864 the 
Perry was built on Niagara River and equipped with Capt. 
Whittaker's sidewheel propellers. She was remarkably fast, 
making nineteen miles an hour on her trial trip, but was sold, 
the present cutter Perry succeeding her. 

THE LIGHTHOUSE. 

On the mainland just within the eastern limits of the city 
is the land lighthouse site, which has been occupied since 1818. 
The first structure cost §3,000. In 1858 a new tower was built 
of Milwaukee brick. The foundation proved defective and in 
1866 it was replaced by one built of Berea stone at a cost of 
$33,000. To secure a solid foundation an excavation twenty 
feet deep was made and filled with Portland cement, oak 
timber, and finely broken limestone. On this bed courses of 
stone were placed aggregating eight feet in thickness. It is 
sixty-seven feet in height from the water table to the focal 
plane of the lens, and one hundred and twenty-seven feet 
above the lake's level. The lens was manufactured in Paris 
and cost §7,000 Avhen delivered in New York. It is a fixed 
white light and can be seen seventeen nautical miles. JVIin- 



328 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

eral oil is used in the lamps. In 1880, on the recommeudation 
of Commander G. W. Howard, U. S. N., Inspector of the 
Tenth Lighthouse District, notwithstanding many protests, 
the light was discontinued, and the same year the property 
was sold for $1,800. The next session of Congress ordered its 
repurchase and re-establishment as a light. 

In 1828 an octagonal wooden tower was erected on the east 
end of the pier at the harbor enti'ance, and fish oil used for 
the lamps. This was carried away by a schooner being 
thrown against it in a gale in 1857. In 1858 a cast iron skele- 
ton tower weighing nineteen tons was erected. Lard oil was 
then used and the lamps were the best. In 1880 this tower 
was taken down and transferred to the extreme end of the 
pier, which had been lengthened 2,000 feet. The light had 
been fixed white and was changed to fixed red, and was visi- 
ble eleven miles — mineral oil being used. In 1830 a keeper's 
dwelling was erected but was destroyed by fire in 1841 and a 
larger one erected. In 1858 a neat residence was erected on the 
beach. In 1878 a fog bell weighing 1,200 pounds was placed on 
the pier near the lighthouse, but has been of no practical 
value to the merchant service. 

The Flash lighthouse is a modern square tower of brick, with 
a convenient keeper's dwelling attached. It was erected in 
1872 on the north shore of the peninsula at a cost of §15,000. 
The light, varied w'ith red and white flashes, is inside of a 
fourth order lens, and is said to be the finest in the light- 
house service. Being isolated and on the sand with a back- 
ground of evergreens, it presents a picturesque appearance as 
seen from passing vessels. The keepers of lighthouses must 
not be over fifty years of age, and they are not subject to re- 
moval when a change of administration occurs. 

In February, 1878, Commander W. R. Bridgman, U. 8. N., 
Lighthouse Inspector of the Tenth District, and Capt. D. P. 
Dobbins, Superintendent of Life-saving Stations, came to Erie 
and selected a site for the station on the lighthouse premises. 
In 1876, as the marine disasters usually occurred on the outer 
shore of the peninsula, a building which had been placed three 
miles from the beacon lighthouse, proved a mistake and was 
moved on trucks and the crew located in the pi'esent quarters. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 329 

Surfman William Clark was placed in charge and fulfilled 
its duties until 1891, when he was drowned, after many years 
of service. 

WATERWORKS. 

Up to 1840 the ordinary cisterns and wells supplied the in- 
habitants of Erie with water. The thickly settled parts were 
then provided with water from a large spring on the Reed 
farm south of Eighteenth Street. The Erie AVater and Gas 
Company was incorporated in 1857, and in 1869 the works 
Avere completed at a cost of $675,000. The first engines M-ere 
the Cornish Bull engines, invented by James Watt. In 1887 
a new engine house was completed, with the Gaskill engine, 
pumping 5,000,000 gallons per day. This was purchased of 
the Holly Company, of Lockport, N. Y., the contract price for 
engine and foundation being $24,850. 

The engine house is a solid brick structure, with stone foun- 
dation 30x35 feet, and 65 feet in height surmounted by an oc- 
tagonal turret 14 feet high. The boiler house is 50x60 feet, and 
12 feet high ; smokestack 14 feet square at the bottom and 
100 feet in height, with a draft of 25 feet. The standpipe 
tower, built to enclose the standpipe, is octagonal in shape. 
Forty-five feet above its foundation, throughout which dis- 
tance the tower is brick, a belt of stones 5 feet high is placed ; 
thence upward it is a circular tower. Its total height is 217 
feet, and its total elevation 237 feet above the surface of the 
bay, while an additional 16 feet has been added to the stand- 
pipe since its erection, making it 253 feet above the water 
level, the highest standpipe in the world. In the interior a 
spiral stairway ascends to the top of the tower, which is 
suitably decked and enclosed by an iron railing. The visitor 
may here obtain the finest view possible of the city and lake. 

The reservoir on Twenty-sixth Street, between Chestnut and 
Cherry, has a capacity of 35,000,000 gallons. In 1872 the 
W^ater Commissioners purchased seven acres of land and con- 
structed a reservoir, the bottom of which is 210 feet above the 
surface of the bay, while the water is kept at an average depth 
of 25 feet. The construction account of the works up to 1888 
amounted to about $1,000,000. The private street connections 
number from 5,000 to 6,000, with 60 miles of pipe, 300 fire by- 



330 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

drants, and 550 stop valves. Some of the citizens who have 
been most identified witli the works are W. W. Reed, W. L. 
Scott, H. Rawle, B. Wliitman, George W. Starr, Messrs. Sel- 
den, Sherwin, Sloan and others. In 1892 the new 12,000,000 
gallon Worthington pump at the waterworks was started, and 
the workings are smooth and perfect. 

The first volume of the annual report of the Chief of En- 
gineers on the river and harbor improvements has been made 
public. This volume contains the reports of the officers in 
charge, which were suppressed by the chief last July. The re- 
port relating to Erie Harbor is as follows : 

" Erie Harbor — The original survey of the harbor was made 
in 1819, at which time the channel was narrow and tortuous, 
with a depth of only six feet. In 1823 a plan for the improve- 
ment was adopted and constitutes the present work at the en- 
trance to the harbor, excepting some changes which have 
been required either on account of the age of the structures 
already built or other causes. The piers have been extended 
from time to time, and are now in pretty good order and con- 
dition. The north pier needs considerable repairs. The pres- 
ent i^roject contemplates the extension of the piers to the 
16-foot curve in the lake, and the maintenance of a channel 
of navigable width, 16 feet in depth from the harbor, inside 
to the lake outside. Operations have been prosecuted with 
more or less. interruption and suspension (no work was done 
from 1838 to 1842, from 1846 to 1853, and from 1855 to 1864) and 
have resulted in much benefit to the harbor and its channel 
entrance. The work during the year consisted in the exten- 
sion of the north pier for 300 feet, of which five cribs were 
sunk at the end of the year and the last since that date. The 
total amount expended up to June 30, 1892, was $798,892.33. 
The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 
1893, was $4,609.47. 

" Presque Isle Peninsula, Erie Harbor — In a report upon the 
examination of Erie Harbor, made in 1885, it was recommen- 
ded that the neck of the peninsula be protected by a break- 
water, and the movement of sand around the eastern end of 
the peninsula be prevented at an estimated cost of $173,044.50. 
Work under this project was in progress until October, 1889, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 331 

when it was abandoned, it having been fonnd that the struc- 
tures would not stand against tlie violence of the storms. No 
further work is at present contemplated, but the sum of $20,- 

000 has been reserved from the appropriation for the improve- 
ment of Erie Harbor to be used in case of necessity in closing 
any breach which might occur. The total amount expended 
up to June 30, 1890, was |60,000. Nothing was expended dur- 
ing the fiscal year ending June 30, 1893. 

THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 

When the thrilling tidings were received that our people 
must resort to arms for the preservation of the country, 
patriotism was universally manifested by all parties. Men of 
all classes were united, and ministers of the gospel were 
equally outspoken. The national flag was displayed from 
hundreds of buildings in Erie and throughout the county, and 
a solemn faith in the ultimate triumph of this righteous cause 
prevailed. A meeting was held in Wayne Hall, on French 
Street, April 26, 1861, which was largely attended. William 
A. Gaibraith, a leading Democrat, presided, and speeches 
were also made by John H. Walker, a leading Republican, 
George H. Cutler, and George W. De Camp. 

A movement had already been inaugurated by Capt. John 
W. McLane to form a three months' regiment, which was 
speedily filled, and a fund for the support of the families was 
provided. Seven thousand dollars was subscribed at this meet- 
ing, and $10,000 soon after was added. Three dollars and 
fifty cents was allowed for the wife, weekly, and fift^^ cents 
added for each child. Throughout the county similar meet- 
ings were held and funds provided. 

This first regiment encamped at the southeast corner of 
Parade and Sixth streets, being the grounds occupied by the 
Agricultural Fair, and volunteers w' ere more in number than 
could be accepted, so that many returned home sadly disap- 
pointed. One hundred came from Waterford alone, and five 
companies were recruited in Erie. The regiment left Erie May 

1 for Pittsburg, Mehl's brass band accompanying it, and many 
friends were at the depot to give tliem a parting blessing. 
The next morning they took up quarters in Camp Wilkiiis. 
In many cases the companies exceeded their quota, and 



332 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

members were discharged, A flag was presented them bj' the 
ladies of Pittsburg May 5, in the presence of 10,000 spectators. 
May 29 they received their arms and uniforms and were 
carefully drilled each day, but returned to Erie July 20, not 
being called into active service, much to the chagrin of both 
officers and men. They met with an enthusiastic reception 
on their return, and supper was prepared by the ladies at the 
West Park. One member had died in their absence. 

The Eighty- Third Begimeni.— The 24th of July, Col. MeLane 
received an order to recruit a regiment, the President having 
issued a call for 300,000 men. Many of the three months' men 
had volunteered and they M'ere dismissed August 1st to await 
an answer. Recruiting was active in the northwestern coun- 
ties, and a camp was established about two miles east of the 
city by Capt. J. B. Bell of the regular army. Capt. Gregg, 
a recruiting officer for cavalry, enlisted a number of young 
men. The Peri-y Artillery of Erie offered its services and was 
accepted, with C. F. Mueller as Captain and W. F. Leutje as 
Lieutenant. An immense meeting at Farrar Hall was called 
on the 24th of August to aid in raising men for Col. McLane's 
regiment. The speakers were W. A. Galbraith, J. C. Marshall, 
G. W. DeCamp, Col. McLane, M. W. Caughey, Capt. J. 
Graham. In different parts of the county similar meetings 
were held and addressed by A. King, Strong Vincent, W. S. 
Lane, M. B. Lowry and Dan Rice. At Greenfield the Demo- 
crats and Republicans were united in a union pole raising. 
At the same time recruiting for the navy was being prosecuted 
by Lieut. T. H. Stevens, sixty persons from Erie recruiting, 
and by September, seven hundred seamen were forwarded to 
the seaboard at different times by Capt. J. C Carter, of the U. 
S. Steamer 3Iichigan. A Ladies' Aid Society had been organ- 
ized in Erie and other towns to provide hosi^ital stores and 
comforts for wounded soldiers, and many boxes were for- 
warded during the war. 

Col. McLane's regiment being full was ordered to Harris- 
burg on the 16th of September. Those who were witnesses of 
its departure will never forget the scene. A flag was presented 
it by the State December 21st, and it was officially known as 
the Eighty-Third Regiment. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 333 

The One Hundred and Eleventh Regiinent. — Maj. M. Schlau- 
decker of Erie, just before the departure, raised anotlier regi- 
ment and occupied tlie same ground for bis camp. This left 
tlie 25tb of February, 1862, with every company full. It was 
presented with a stand of colors by Gov. Curtin, and took 
rank as the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment. Its de- 
parture was fully as affecting as the former ones. Zimmer- 
man's brass band accompanied the regiment. 

A rumor of war with Great Britain prevailed in the early 
i:»art of 1862, and in anticipation a naval depot on the lake 
was projected. The City Council urged the claim of Erie as 
the site, and citizens visited Washington for that purpose. 
March 8th newspapers were notified by the Secretary of War 
that the publication of army movements was prohibited. 
Money was raised in Erie for the wounded who might need 
attendance, and war was the chief topic. Rebel prisoners were 
taken through on the Lake Shore Railroad. 

The Eighty-third suffered terribly in the battles around 
Richmond. Col. McLane was killed, and grief was general and 
mourning pervaded the community. Hospital stores for the 
wounded %vere hastily forwarded. This was in June, and in 
July the President made a call for 300,000 more troops, and it 
was announced that five companies of 100 men each was Erie 
County's proportion. A meeting in Wayne Hall to urge enlist- 
ments asked of the Countj^ Commissioners the appropriation 
of $100,000 to equip a new regiment. Discouragement prevailed 
in consequence of the Virginia disasters, and greater induce- 
ments must be offered. A bounty of §50 was offered each 
recruit by the City of Erie, and some townships followed their 
example. Another call for 300,000 men caused the County 
Commissioners to offer an additional bounty of $25,000. In 
August another regiment, the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth, 
was in camp at the same fairground. Recruits came forward, 
and the regiment left for the seat of war September 11th. At 
the same time the navy received many accessions, and the 
cavalry companies of Capts. Lennon, Miles, and Roberts were 
formed. From official reports Erie City alone had furnished 
for the navy up to the 16th of August two hundred men. The 
above cavalry companies were in cam^) at Pittsburg the 4th of 



334 ■ HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

October. Notwithstanding great inducements to volunteers 
the quota of Erie County was still short, and a draft seemed 
inevitable. Insurance companies were formed, members pay- 
ing from $20 to $50 to procure substitutes provided their names 
were drawn. Recruiting for both the army and navy went on 
vigorously. At the call for minutemen to defend Harrisburg, 
six companies, composed of many leading business men re- 
sponded to the call of the Governor. Happily their services 
were not needed, and they returned the first of October. An 
enrollment of militia had been made, J. B. Gara having been 
appointed a commissioner. These proceedings were under the 
State militia law. W. P. Gibson was appointed a Deputy 
Marshal to prevent the escape to Canada of those liable to con- 
scription. The officers to manage the draft were B. B. Vin- 
cent and Charles Brandes, surgeon. Gov. Curtin gave notice 
that volunteers for nine months would be accepted up to the 
day of drafting. 

The draft was held in the grand jury room of the courthouse 
on the 16th of October, 1,055 being drawn for the whole 
County, who were to serve for nine months. A blindfolded 
man drew the slips from the wheel and read the name to the 
anxious bystanders. In filling the wheel persons above forty- 
five years were exempt : also ministers, teachers, and school 
directors. Substitutes were to be found at prices varying from 
$50 to $250. About 300 were exempted from physical disability, 
and probably not more than 500 of the drafted went into the 
army. In October and November about 350 men were for- 
warded. Andrew Scott was appointed Provost Marshal to 
find delinquents. The Councils of Erie voted $45,000 for the 
relief of their families, and the Ladies' Aid Society supplied 
each family with a Thanksgiving dinner. Those who reached 
the front soon returned without seeing much service. Prices 
advanced, money became scarce from levies for bounties, and 
silver and gold almost disappeared. The city issued scrip to 
meet the demands for small change of 50, 25, 20, 10 and even 5 
cents. Greenbacks, " shinplasters " and various checks and 
duebills served as a medium of exchange. Political feeling 
became intense about 1863, and though a patriotic spirit in- 
fluenced the large majority, still a fear of the results made 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 335 

great jealousy of " copperheads" and those who gave aid and 
comfort to the enemy, and fears of another class prevailed with 
Democrats — it was happy that the " war Democrat" party was 
numerous. 

The Second Draft. — Early in 1863 Congress passed an act 
taking conscription out of the hands of the States, all persons 
being liable between twenty and forty-five and those exempt 
from physical causes furnishing a substitute or paying $300. 
Lieut.-Col. H. S. Campbell, late of the Eighty-third Regiment, 
was Marshal ; Jerome Powell, of Elk County, Commissioner ; 
Dr. John INIacklin, of Jefferson County, Surgeon, to act for 
this Congressional district. Headquarters were established at 
Waterford, and a new enrollment made during May and June. 
The government was now enlisting negroes, and bodies of 
troops passed through Erie frequently. The news of the rebel 
invasion of Pennsylvania and of the battles at Gettysburg pro- 
duced a deep and fearful excitement. The Governor appealed 
for militia to defend the State, and it met with immediate re- 
sponse. June 15 a vast meeting was held, addressed by Messrs. 
Walker, Lowry, Marvin, Sill, McCreary and others, earnestly 
calling for the enemy to be driven from the State. About 
400 citizens enlisted for the State's defense, but on reaching 
Pittsburg, the news of Meade's victoi'y, rendered their services 
unnecessary, and they returned home. The Ladies' Aid Soci- 
ety forwarded stores to the wounded at Gettysburg. The fall 
of Vicksburg was celebrated with great rejoicings. 

In June Capt. Mueller was in Erie recruiting for another 
battery, and large numbers of young men entered the navy. 
The county was announced 1,400 short, and substitutes ran up 
to $300. September 26, it is stated that 83 of the conscripts had 
furnished substitutes, 245 paid commutations, 706 had been ex- 
empted and 127 were forwarded to Pittsburg. Impatience for 
the return of peace was general. In October President Lin- 
coln made a call for 300,000 more men, and Gov. Curtin an- 
nounced Pennsylvania's quota to be 32,268, and he asked for 
volunteers. A bounty of $402 was offered veterans. To this 
sum the county added $300 more, and most of the districts $50 
to $100 more. During a part of the season the United States 
Steamer Michigan, which had been fully manned, guarded 



336 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Johnson's Island, where 2,000 rebel prisoners were confined, 
and fears were entertained that they might escape. In 
November a report was circulated that the rebels purposed an 
invasion from Canada, landing in Erie. Six hundred troops 
arrived from Pittsburg under the command of Maj.-Gen. 
Brooks. The citizens were called upon to aid in an intrench- 
ment to be thrown up on Block House Bluff, and about 1,000 
responded with picks and shovels. The rumor proved to be 
false, and the troops left for the South, the battery remaining. 
On the 14th of January, 1864, the One Hundred and Eleventh 
Regiment returned to recruit its ranks, and after a grand re- 
ception, were given .J)y the ladies a sumptuous repast at 
Wayne Hall. They went into camp until February 25, when 
they returned with ranks nearly full. Many members of the 
Eighty-third, whose term had expired, came home in January 
and were received with deserved cordiality, and 75 more ar- 
rived in March. 

Several negroes were accepted to supply the quota of Erie 
County and five or six were released from prison at May ses- 
sion on condition they would join the army. To the general 
joy no draft was needed, though a few names were drawn for 
the other counties of the Congressional district. 

Another call from the President in July, 1864, was for 500,000 
more men. Erie subscribed 120,000 to induce volunteers, be- 
sides the United States, county, and district bounties. The 
quota of the county was 1,289, and the city's share 150. 
Negroes were taken as substitutes, and Asa Battles, John W. 
Halderman, and Richard M. Broas were deputed to go to the 
southwest for this purpose. Ensign Bone shipped men by the 
hundred for the navy. About 1,000 entered the service 
through this channel, receiving a bounty of $400. The pi'ice 
of substitutes ranged from $550 to |700. President Lincoln 
was re-elected in November after a severe contest. 

A last call for 300,000 men was made in January, 1865. The 
Councils of Erie offered to increase their bounty $150, and 
ultimately it was increased to $400. A draft took place at 
Ridgway March 6, where the Provost Marshal's office had 
been removed and 2,010 names were drawn from Erie County. 
Girard borough was the only district that escaped. The price 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY, 337 

of substitutes arose to $1,500 at times, and the Legislature had 
passed an act authorizing any district to pay a bounty of $400. 
Of the drafted men, some had guard duty assigned them at 
forts near or at Washington. 

April 9 came the glad news of the surrender of Gen. Lee, 
Avhich was bailed as the termination of the war. Rejoicings in 
Erie were more demonstrative than before in its history and 
manifested by illuminations, firing of cannon, the ringing of 
bells, and display of bunting, with shouts for the Union and 
the gallant soldiers. On the 12tb, joy was turned to mourning 
and the deepest sorrow, by the assassination of President Lin- 
coln. On Saturday all places of business were closed, and em- 
blems of mourning were everywhere for the martyred Presi- 
dent. A special train conveying the remains to Springfield 
passed through on April 27 and thousands gathered at the 
depot out of respect to the honored dead. 

Remarks. — The Eighty-third Regiment was assigned to the 
Third Brigade of Porter's division, under Gen. Butterfield. 
It was highly complimented by Gen. McClellan, and awarded 
one of the French uniforms and equipments imported to pre- 
sent to the most proficient in drill. It was engaged in twenty- 
five battles, "more by two than any other Pennsylvania, 
infantry regiment." Col. McLane fell at Gaines' Mills tlie 
27th of June, 1862, lamented not by his own men alone, but 
by the whole corps. Col. Strong Vincent, who succeeded him, 
and was in command of the whole brigade, fell mortally 
wounded at Gettysburg July 2, 1863. His appointment of 
Brigadier-General did not reach the regiment until after his 
death. After Gettysburg the members of the regiment were 
reduced by sickness and battle to 200, but later received 
accessions by draft and substitutes to the number 2,600, and 
disbanded July 4, 1865. 

The One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment. — This third 
regiment was commanded by Col. Mathias Schlaudecker for 
three years' service. It reached the State capital January 27, 
1862. In its first serious engagement at Cedar Mountain, 
August 9, it lost nineteen killed, sixty-one wounded, and 
thirteen missing. Until the regiment was transferred to 
Tennessee, September 24, 1863, it participated in the battles of 



338 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Virginia and Maryland, including Antietam, Chancellorsville, 
and Gettysburg. While stationed at Acquia Creek it was 
one of fifteen regiments specially commanded by Gen. Hooker 
in his general order of March 8. Col. Schlaudecker was honor- 
ably discharged in November, 1862, and the other field ofli- 
cers were promoted. The regiment joined Rosecrans' army 
and took part in the movement ui:)on Lookout Mountain. 
After most of its members enlisting for a second term, they 
were given a furlough to come home, reaching Erie January 
14, 1864. On returning to the southwest they took part in the 
march upon Atlanta, being one of the first to enter the city. 
Before reaching Atlanta Col. Cobham was shot, and died 
on the field of battle. Afterwards it joined the main body of 
the army in Sherman's famous "march to the sea." At 
Goldsboro, N. C, the One Hundred and Ninth and One 
Hundred and Eleventh were consolidated, with 885 members, 
retaining the name of One Hundred and Eleventh. It was 
mustered out July 19, 1865, and the northwestern portion 
reached Erie the 27th, the gallant veterans meeting a grand 
reception. 

The One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment. — Its rendezvous 
was the same as that of the Eighty-third and the One Hun- 
dred and Eleventh, having been organized September 5, 1862. 
There was time for little training in military dutj'. After 
being furnished with arms they were in two days within 
sound of the enemy's guns at Antietam. About noon on the 
17th they joined the extreme right of the Union line, and 
aided in preventing a flank movement of the enemy. After 
the battle the duty of aiding to bury the dead, some having 
lain four days on the field of battle, told seriously on the 
health of the regiment, two or three hundred being laid aside 
from duty, and many died. The One Hundred and Forty- 
fifth was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, of the 
Second Corps. On December 13 it took part in the charge at 
Fredericksburg, under Gen. Hancock. Of the 5,000 of that 
division, 2,000 fell in that single charge. Of the 556 in the 
One Hundred and Forty-fifth, 226 were either killed or 
wounded. At Chancellorsville, a detail of 150 men failing to 
receive an order to retire were mostly captui-ed. At Gettys- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 339 

burg the regiment entering 200 strong, lost in liilled and 
wounded upwards of 80. Returning to Virginia it partici- 
pated in most of the engagements until the close of the 
campaign in 1863. May, 1864, found the regiment recruited 
almost to its original strength. From this date the history of 
the army of Virginia, with its constant marches, was also the 
history of this. There were no braver men or better officers. 
In the charge in front of Petersburg about fifty were killed 
and wounded and ninety were captured. The remainder of 
the regiment was almost constantly under fire the rest of the 
season. In the spring campaign of 1865 it did good service 
with Sheridan, and was mustered out May 31, and returned to 
Erie on June 5, where they received a well merited and 
enthusiastic welcome. The colonel of the One Hundred and 
Forty-fifth was H. L. Brown. Of other officers we may say a 
few are at the present time in honorable and useful positions, 
as D. P. McCreary, J. W. Reynolds, and the Chaplain, Rev. 
J. H. W. Stuckenberg. 

THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS' HOME. 

June 3, 1885, a bill was introduced into the Legislature by 
Hon. Isaac B. Brown, member from Erie County, and was 
approved by the Governor. The location of the Home was 
left to a commission coinposed of the Governor, State Treas- 
urer, the Auditor-General, one Senator, and two members of 
the House of Representatives, and five honorably discharged 
soldiers appointed by the Grand Army of the Republic. 
After considering various sites the building known as the 
Marine Hospital at Erie was selected. Being nearly ready 
for occupancy and owned by the State, it was a matter of 
economy to use it. No more appropriate place could be 
chosen, for " it has echoed to the tramp of armed men for more 
than two centuries. Its location on the bluflfs above the lake 
commanded the entrance to the harbor, and the fighting men, 
both among the original red men and more recent occupants, 
looked upon it as the point of advantage, and no other por- 
tion of the State has been the scene of so many battles and 
sieges as the garrison grounds on which the Home is built." 

On February 26, 1886, the institution, having been repaired 



340 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

and furnished, was open for inmates. Eight veterans pre- 
sented tliemselves and were admitted. The commission 
appointed under the act were : Gov. Robert E. Pattison, Hon. 
William Livsey, Hon. J. B. Niles, Hon. W. F. Aull, Col. T. I. 
Stewart, Hon. C. R. Geutner, Gen. J. A. Beaver, Col. R. B. 
Beath, Hon. I. B. Brown, Col. J. M. Vanderslice, and Gen. 
L. Wagner. 

The citizens of Erie being anxious to secure the Home, pur- 
chased a piece of land and promised in the matter of streets 
and sidewalks to render aid. The building originally was 
three stories high, with basements, the main building 56 x 153 
feet, with a wing westward 40 x 130, and a shorter building 
two stories high to be used as a chapel. Extensions have been 
made in different directions and the capacity will be for 650 
inmates when completed. There are 141 rooms now under the 
roof and a dining-room 44 x 100 feet, seating 500 people at table. 

The infirmary is a two-story building, with all the latest 
appliances for the care of twenty-eight patients at one time. 
A corridor 180 feet long connects this with the main building, 
and serves for a conservatory in winter, being filled with rare 
plants, and is an agreeable resort for invalids at all times. 
Maj. William Webster Tyson is the commander of the Sol- 
diers and Sailors' Home. He was born at Baltimore, Md., 
August 1, 1834, and by his judicious management it is an 
honor to the city and the State, It is not in any way con- 
nected Avith politics, but its tone is "clean, morally, bodily, 
and financially." Religious services are held in the chapel on 
Sundays ; Thursday evening a prayer meeting and lectui'e is 
conducted by the chaplain. " Contemplating all these com- 
forts of our brave defenders, one cannot help but say : God 
bless the Commonwealth." 

Soldiers' Home Trustees 1893. Gov. Pattison, President ; 
Gen. Robert B. Heath, Vice-President ; Gen. Louis Wagner, 
Treasurer ; Thomas J. Stewart, Secretary ; Building Com- 
mittee, Wagner, Brown, Morrison, and Nesbitt ; Pension 
Committee, Gobin, Wagner and Lull ; Legislation, Gobin, 
Nesbitt and Lull. 

The amount now paid by the State has been reduced to 
$40,000 per annum, owing to the fact that a very liberal contri- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 341 

bution is made each year by the national government. There 
are at the present time 330 inmates at the Home, 116 of whom 
are hospital cases. Tlie population of the institution has been 
reduced 150 on account of the receipt of pensions from the 
national government. 



SECTION III. 



The Johnson Island Plot — U. S. Steamer Michigan — Revenue Gut- 
ters — Railroads — Rapid Transit — Liberty Bells — Erie, some Towns 
and Townships — Grapes — Postoffiees — Census — City Hall — Govern- 
ment Building— Petroleum— Gas— The Weather— Parks— Massas- 
sauga — Height of Lakes. 

THE JOHNSOX ISLAND PLOT. 

During the war for the Union an attempt was made at 
Sandusky to capture the United States Steamer 3fichigan by 
the Confederates, and release the prisonei's at Johnson's 
Island. The Philadelj^hia Press of February, 1882, published 
a breezy story continued in three numbers, entitled "Pirate 
Cole's Conspiracy," which was founded on facts. A Confed- 
erate officer in the guise of a wealthy oil man from Philadel- 
phia, with his lady, made a six weeks' stay at_ the hotel in 
Sandusky ; he was apparently loyal to the government, and 
there was nothing tangible to justify suspicion. He dined and 
wined the junior officers, probably when off duty, for Capt. 
Carter never had met him personally until he made him his 
prisoner. Cole gave a supper as a decoy at the hotel and the 
same day at 12 o'clock Capt. Carter received a telegram from 
Detroit saying, "Thirty suspicious looking men have em- 
barked on the steamer Pkilo Parsons to engage on a certain 
railroad in Ohio ; look out for them." At the same time a 
dispatch was received from the Secretary of the Navy, re- 
peating the same received from Detroit and saying : " We 
have reason to think your crew have been tampered with." 
Capt. Carter's prompt answer was, "Let them come; I am 
ready." Those dispatches and certain suspicious circum- 
stances connected with a champagne supper to be given by 
Cole that night at the hotel, caused Capt. Carter to order En- 



342 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

sign Hunter to fully man and equip his boat, go to Sandusky, 
arrest Mr. Cole and bring him on board ship. On meeting 
Mr. Cole at the hotel the first salutation was, " You have come 
to the supper" (for it was then 4 o'clock p. m.). Mr, Hunter 
answered: "No, I cannot come, unless you go off to the 
ship and ask the captain, for I am an officer of the day, and we 
shall just have time before dark." Mr. Cole instantly caught 
at the bait, going with the officer to his room to get some 
money, where some of the drugged wine was politely refused 
by him under the protest of having a headache. An affection- 
ate leave was taken of his wife, they embarked on the return 
trip, and a three mile row was probably never more vigorously 
accomplished. When Mr. Cole was landed on the quarter 
deck he turned to the officer and said: "You must intro- 
duce me; I do not know the captain." When the orderly 
opened the cabin door and Capt. Carter met the Confederate 
Cole with, " I arrest you in the name of the government," he 
dropped into a chair and then divulged the plot. At 9 o'clock 
he was to fire a photograph building as a signal for the Philo 
Parsons and her Confederate crew to take the Michigan, re- 
lease the prisoners on Johnson's Island and make good their 
escape with all on board the Michigan. 

In a letter written by Cole after his capture he says : " But 
for the vigilance and timely arrival of Capt. Carter, who had 
been ordered to Washington on official business, our plot 
would doubtless have succeeded." 

In this connection I would add that letters were received by 
Com. Carter from ex-Governor Cox, of Ohio, and Gen. Dix 
commendiug the late Commodore for his loyalty on all oc- 
casions, his remark being, "In early manhood nay allegiance 
was given to my country, not my State, and to it I earnestly' 
adhere." Mr. Whitman's history of Erie (1884) in substance 
says : During a portion of the season the United States 
Steamer 3Iichigan, which had been fully manned again, was 
guarding Johnson's Island, in the upper part of the lake, 
where about 2,000 rebel prisoners were confined, when I'umor 
accused of a design to escape. In November there were re- 
ports of a proposed rebel invasion from Canada, Erie being 
named as the landing place. This was the most startling news, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 343 

in a local sense, that had arisen out of the war, and citizens 
were greatly agitated. While the excitement was at its height, 
600 troops arrived from Pittsburg with a battery, under 
the command of Maj.-Gen. Brooks. The latter directed in- 
trenchments to be thrown up on the Block House Bluff, and 
called upon the citizens to lend him their assistance. Some- 
thing like one thousand obeyed his summons, with picks and 
shovels, on the first day, but the workers dwindled woefully 
in number on the second day. The rumor, which was absurd 
from the start, unless explained by the above story, soon 
proved to be false, the work was abandoned, and the troops 
left for the South in a few days, with the exception of the 
battery. 

The successive commanders of the United States Steamer 
Michigan were William Inman, Stephen Champlin, Oscar 
Bullus, — Biglow, — McBlair, — Nicholas, Joseph Lanman, 
John C. Carter, Francis A. Roe, A. Breyson, James E. Jouett, 
George Brown, James Gillis, — Wright, Charles Cushman, G. 
W. Hay ward, Albert Kautz. The officers in 1892 are : Captain, 
Geo. E. Wingate ; Lieutenant Commander, F. M. Symonds ; 
Lieutenants, G. R. Clark, G. H. Stafford ; Ensign, V. O. 
Chase ; Past Assistant Engineer, C. F. Nagle ; Surgeon, L. B. 
Baldwin ; Past Assistant Paymaster, J. H. Chapman. 

THE UNITED STATES STEAMER MICHIGAN. 

Some newspaper extracts will describe the experiences of 
the Michigan the last two years. 

Boilers Condemned— {MdiVoh 21, 1892.) That the United States 
Steamer Michigan may never be allowed to take another cruise 
from this port is somewhat surprising, even as a possibility. 
It is learned that an inspection by line officers some time ago 
resulted in a report that the vessel was O. K. but that a recent 
commission has condemned the boilers in a I'eport to the de- 
partment and that as a result of their inspection, action by the 
authorities at Washington will utimately be an order to put 
the vessel permanently out of commission. 

There is added color of probability given to unofficial state- 
ments by reason of a public desire that the great lakes should 
have a more modern vessel of war to display in the naval 



344 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

demonstration at the dedicatory exercises inaugurating the 
World's Fair. Under existing treaty arrangements the Michi- 
gan is the only war vessel allowed in these waters. If she 
were out of the way it is thought that a substitute or substi- 
tutes might be available In time for exhibition, as well as 
usefulness thereafter. Of course a report from the department 
alone will determine the reliability of rumors. 

On the other hand it may be stated that the last outside 
scraping of the Michigan in dry dock revealed no weakness, 
and the Swedish wrought iron of which the hull is made ap- 
peared to be good for years to come in fresh water, and her last 
cruise down the lakes, although a rough one, did not bring out 
any visible rottenness of material. 

The Michigan in Por^.— (April, 1893.) The United States 
Steamer Michigan, which had wintered in Buflalo for the pur- 
pose of undergoing necessaiy repairs, and which has been 
expected here for several days, steamed into the harbor yester- 
day afternoon, resplendent in a covering of dazzling white 
with gold trimmings, to be in conformity with the rest of the 
"white squadron." The news of the old "man-of-war's" 
arrival soon spread about the city, and quite a number of peo- 
ple visited the docks despite the disagreeable weather, to gaze 
upon the " iron steamship," as she was formerly called here. 

The Michigan is under orders from the Secretary of the 
Navy to proceed to Chicago, where she will remain during the 
World's Fair, and will probably stay but a day or two in Erie 
harbor. The vessel is at present officered as follows : 

Lieutenant Commander R. M. Berry, commanding ; Lieu- 
tenant C. P. Rees, Executive Officer and Navigator ; Lieuten- 
ant J. M. Helm ; Ensign, V. O. Chase ; Chief Engineer, J. L. 
D. Borthwick ; Surgeon, L. D. Baldwin ; Past Assistant Pay- 
master, James H. Chairman. 

The press and people of Erie extend a hearty welcoine to 
the Michigan and her gallant officers and crew, and look 
forward with pleasure to the time when the steamer will 
return here " for good." 

Return of the Michigan. — Wednesday morning, November 
22, 1893, dawned dark, drizzly, and dreary. Storm signals 
were fluttering in a northwest breeze from the top of the gov- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 345 

ernment building and i^edesti-ians hurried along the streets 
with their great coats buttoned to the chin and collars up- 
turned to their ears. Up to 11 o'clock the rain continued to 
come down, not in the stereotyped buckets full, but in a sort 
of fine Italian hand manner that had a tendency every once 
in a while to become congealed and take the form of snow. It 
was a hard outlook for enthusiasm and no mistake. To make 
matters worse a rumor was in circulation that Mayor Scott 
was confined to his residence on account of illness and would 
not be able to participate in the proposed reception to the 
Steamer Michigan. 

It had been authoritatively announced that the celebrated 
boat would arrive outside the harbor and be ready to receive 
its escort at precisely 2 o'clock at the harbor entrance. The 
escort was to consist of all the available flotilla in the harbor, 
preceded by the tugs Scott and Erie, which boats were to con- 
tain all the city oflicials and committee on reception. Then 
the batteries, one located at the Soldiers' Home and the other 
at Lake View Park, were to boom out a 21-gun salute each, 
and a whole lot of other pleasing episodes were to take place. 

Old man Neptune, however, disarranged all this, for at 11:30 
the good ship steamed into the harbor and cast anchor a little 
way out from the public dock. Her arrival was announced to 
the astonished citizens by the wild tooting of whistles. As 
soon as it was known that the Michigan had surely arrived 
and cast anchor, a large crowd rushed for the docks to see her. 

It was the intention of the commander of the man-of-war to 
remain outside the peninsula until 2 o'clock to await the re- 
ception committee, but the wind was so high that it was 
necessary to enter the harbor and cast anchor. 

From the time the vessel arrived until 2 o'clock a steady 
stream of people had been marching down State Street, so 
that when the band and reception committee reached the 
dock they found several thousand there to assist in extending 
greeting to the Michigan'' s crew. 

Arriving at the dock the committee, accompanied by Koh- 
ler's Band, boarded the tug W. L. Scott and were conveyed to 
the 3fichigan. The water was very rough and the passengers 
were nicely sprinkled by large waves that dashed over the 



346 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

craft. The committee was taken aboard the Michigan from 
the tug by one of the small launches belonging to the old war 
vessel. They were cordially received by Capt. Berry and other 
officers of the ship. The band played a couple of selections 
and was I'eturned to the dock by the Scott. It was altogether 
too rough for all on board the tug to reach the Michigan. 

After the committee, consisting of Mr. Benjamin Whitman, 
Capt. John Fleeharty, City Treasurer Hanley, Mr. N. Leus- 
chen and J. J. O'Brien, had been received, Mr. Whitman 
addressed Capt. Berry and his men as follows : 

Mr. Whitman^ s Address. — "Capt. Berry: In the absence 
of the Mayor, whom illness has prevented from being here, 
I extend to you, and through you to your officers and crew, 
on behalf of our citizens and public authorities, a heartfelt 
welcome to our home. I use the word "home" because, 
although this may not be the actual place of residence of 
some of you, it is the home of your ship — the place of its 
birth, its station for more than half a century, and, we sin- 
cerely hope, its home port during the remaining years of its 
life. None of you may know or can fully appreciate the in- 
terest with which our people have followed the Michigan dur- 
ing the many months in which she has been gone from Erie 
Harbor. To the people of Erie she is more than a ship — more 
than a mere structure of wood and iron. She is very much 
like a member of our family, whose return we hail as we 
would that of a long-lost son or daughter. Welcome, then, 
sir — a thrice hearty welcome. Welcome to your gallant offi- 
cers and crew, and a special welcome to the staunch old craft 
that has weathered the wind and waves of fifty years of 
difficult lake navigation. We trust that your return Avill be 
as agreeable to all of you as it is to our citizens, and that every 
one of you may be with us as long as the rules of the Navy 
Department will permit. May your stay with us be one round 
of pleasure, and may the Erie girls continue to find as warm a 
place in the hearts of your bachelor officers as they have done 
in the past." ' 

To this address of welcome Capt. Berry responded very 

1 It is said of the officers of the Michigan nearly twenty have married in 
Erie. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 347 

happily, expressing the appreciation of the commander and 
officers and men of the vessel of the kind feeling shown by 
the citizens of Erie upon their arrival. His response was 
brief and to the point. 

Remarks were also made by City Treasurer Hanley and Mr. 
O'Brien. These gentlemen coincided with all that Mr. Whit- 
man had said. They joined in the welcome to the officers and 
crew and said that it afforded the people of Erie great pleasure 
to have the boat return to Erie. 

Lieut. Reese, of the Michigan^ made a few remarks. He 
said that Capt. Berry voiced the sentiments of the naval offi- 
cers in his kind reference to Erie and its people. 

Had the weather been favorable the demonstration would 
have been a grand success. Much credit is due Capt. Fleeharty 
for his ceaseless effort in arranging the details for the reception. 

The first revenue cutter was the Benjamin Hush, of thirty 
tons, built at Erie by Capt. John Richards about 1827, and 
first commanded by Capt. Gilbert Knai^p, who was succeeded 
by Capt. Daniel Dobbins. The second was the JSrie, of sixty- 
two tons, built at Erie in 1832-33. The Erie was succeeded 
in 1846 by the iron steamer Dallas. This vessel was removed 
to the Atlantic coast by way of the Welland Canal and the St. 
Lawrence River in 1848. In 1857 the Treasury Department 
built six small revenue cutters, being one for each lake. At 
the outbreak of the Civil War these vessels were removed 
to the Atlantic coast under the direction of Capt. Douglass 
Ottinger of the revenue service, by way of Welland Canal and 
River St. Lawrence. In 1864 the Perry was built on Niagara 
River and was equipped with Capt. Whittaker's sidewheel 
propellers, which with the steamer Baltic are the only pro- 
pellers of the class ever used. She was remarkably fast, having 
developed on her trial trip a speed of over nineteen knots an 
hour for more than two hours. This vessel was sold, the 
present cutter Ferry succeeding her. 

In the spring of 1893 the revenue cutters Grant and Perry 
were ordered to Puget Sound to suppress opium smuggling. 
The Perry is esteemed one of the handsomest and staunchest 
of the vessels in the revenue marine service. Capt. A. A. 
Fenger is in command. 



348 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The Perry is a topsail-schooner-rigged steamer of 282 gross 
tons. Her principal dimensions are : Length, 165 feet ; beam, 
25 feet ; depth, 11 feet 2 inches ; draught 9 feet 10 inches. She is 
a single-screw steamer mounting two three-inch breechloading 
rifles. The complement of the Perry is seven officers and 
thirty-one men. Her speed is about twelve knots an hour. 

Speaking of the removal Revenue Collector Glazier said 
that in his opinion a mistake was being made. Instead of 
moving the Perry from the great lakes, said Mr. Glazier, there 
is greater need of an additional boat here. The Perry has been 
cruising Lake Erie and Ontario as Avell and her services have 
been constantly in demand. The object of the boat on the 
lake is not merely that of revenue service, but it is sup- 
posed to render assistance to vessels in distress, and as is well 
known there has been much need of this. 

RAILROADS. 

The announcement of the contemplated change of gauge of 
the Erie & Northeast Railroad created the utmost indignation 
with a large majority of the citizens, as they had hoped that 
Erie might become the terminus of the New York & Erie 
Railway, and not a mere railway station. The facts stated in 
Warner's edition of "History of Erie," 1884 (Chicago), are in 
substance as follows : December 7, 1853, a large number 
gathered at the depot and tore down the bridges over State 
and French streets and I'emoved the track across each street 
east of Sassafras. At Harbor Creek the same day the track 
was torn up in three places, and on December 28, while the 
railroad men were relaying the track, a fracus took place in 
which a pistol was flred by a train conductor and two citizens 
wei'e slightly wounded. The excitement that ensued was the 
most intense ever known in the county. (The railroad ques- 
tion obliterated party lines to a great extent, and in each of 
the years 1854, 1855, and 1858, for the first time in a long 
period, one of the two legislative representatives elected from 
the county was a Democrat.) An appeal was made to the 
courts and the State and United States officials interposed. 
This state of affairs continued for two years, and the two 
months in which passengers were transferred by stages and 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 349 

wagons between Harbor Creek and Erie, at an inclement 
season, and unprepared, were trying indeed. April 16, 1856, 
the anti-railroad party, being embittered by the court legaliz- 
ing the new gauge, and the newspaper Constitution expressing 
sympathy, or perhaps it was through some private grievance, 
a tumultuous crowd burned the office. The court afterwards 
awarded $3,000 damage for the loss, and the closing scene of 
the railroad war ended. An officer who had been through the 
war for the Union pronounced t'ne railroad war, which he 
had also experienced, the more exciting of the two. A para- 
graph in the Erie Gazette of January 12, 1854, indicates the 
state of feeling at that date : " Never in the history of our 
city have we witnessed popular excitement equal to that 
which now prevails. God grant that it may speedily sub- 
side." 

Extracts from Railroad Official Documents. — During the 
time that the track was up, from December 7, 1853 to February 
1, 1854, the passengers, baggage, mail, and express were con- 
veyed between Erie and Harbor Creek in wagons and sleighs, 
at a cost of $17,000 to the railroad company. ... It was a 
Mar in which both parties expended large sums of money, 
employed the best legal talent of the country, and exhausted 
the courts and Legislature. At first local in its character, it 
grew in importance until on one side was arrayed practically 
the whole people of Pennsylvania, its courts and Legislature, 
and on the other the citizens of adjoining States, east and 
west, backed by the urgent demands of the trade and com- 
merce of the country. And yet it was all for the purj^ose of 
maintaining what has since proved to be a mere shadow, as 
the broad treadwheel has quietly solved the problem ; and 
since that a universal uniform gauge prevails. 

First Report of the Directors to the Stockholders of the Erie 
and Northeast Railroad Company. — The Erie & Northeast 
Railroad is about twenty miles in length, commencing at Erie, 
Pa., and running to the State line of New York, and is a link 
in the South Shore Railroad between Buffalo and Cleveland, 
connecting the Central New York and the New York and 
Erie roads with the roads running to Cincinnati, St. Louis, 
Chicago, and other portions of the West. The road was opened 



350 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

for business about one year since, and was the first road com- 
pleted in Western Pennsylvania. It is straight nearly its 
entire length, being but forty-seven feet longer than an air 
line, with no grades exceeding fifteen feet to the mile — runs 
mostly through material composed of gravel and sand, is well 
ballasted and now in perfect order. 

There liave been taken over this road since its opening in 
January last, 73,476 passengers without any accident or injury. 

The receipts from the 10th of January to the 1st of July last 
were $31,260 ; the expenditures for repairs and supervision dur- 
ing the same time were $10,007.24 ; leaving for net earnings the 
first six months $21,253.65, sufficient to pay the interest on 
the indebtedness of the company and a dividend of three per 
cent on the stoclv which was made and paid in July last. 

On the receipts for the first six months, all but about $5,000 
was collected before the opening of lake navigation in the 
spring, at which time the road west of Erie was not completed, 
and there being no communication between Erie and the 
West except by stages, all through business was driven on 
the lake. 

The receipts from July 1 to the 1st of January, inst., were 
$31,119, of which about $16,000 was collected since the 20th of 
November last, and after the completion of the road west to 
Cleveland. . . . The stock of the company, all of which 
has been taken and paid up, is $600,000. The present indebted- 
ness of the company is §131,950, to which it is estimated it 
will be necessary to add for additional rolling stock, extension 
of depot buildings, etc., $18,050. Making the whole cost of the 
road and fixtures complete $750,000. 

The net earnings of this road are somewhat les- 
sened, and all the trade and travel passing between us and the 
seaboard are subjected to a greatly increased expense and most 
serious inconvenience and delay in consequence of the track of 
the Buffalo & State Line Railroad Company — which connects 
this road witli the New York & Erie and Central New York 
line of roads, being different in width from either of the roads 
ixientioned, and different from all other roads in the State in 
which it has been introduced. The Erie & Northeast was the 
first commenced and the first road completed on the lake 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 351 

shore. It was made a six-foot track in accordance witli a con- 
tract between this company and the Dunkirk & State Line 
Company, the latter having been got up by tlie New York & 
Erie, interest to be used for the purpose of making a six-foot 
connection witli tliis road at the State Line, which connection 
the New York & Erie Company by a written agreement with 
this company guaranteed sliould be made. Tlie Buffalo & 
State Line Company being identified with the Central line of 
New York roads, the gauges of which are four feet eight and 
one half inches, complained that our laying the six-foot track 
only, would be doing injustice to them. This company, there- 
fore, with the consent of the New York & Erie Coinpany 
agreed to furnish a track for each of the roads mentioned, cor- 
responding to their respective tracks, six feet and four feet 
eight and one half inches. Thus matters remained for some 
weeks, when, for reasons best known to themselves, without 
notice or any consultation with this company, the New York 
& Erie argued with the Buffalo & State Line companies, the 
former in violation of their contract with this company, and 
both regardless of the wrong they were inflicting on the pub- 
lic, to introduce between this road and theirs a four-foot ten 
inch track — a track different from all the roads with which it 
connected, and between which it only formed an intermediate 
link, thus compelling all freight and passengers passing be- 
tween the East and the West to change cars both at the State 
Line and at Dunkirk or Buffalo, as the case might be. What- 
ever inconvenience or expense, therefore, is incurred in conse- 
quejice of these two changes, is solely attributable to the 
Buffalo & State Line Company, sanctioned by the New York 
& Erie Company. Much complaint is justly made on account 
of the unnecessary obstructions, and none regret their 
existence more than this company. It was out of the power of 
this company to i^revent them, and is therefore out of its 
power to remove them — they can only be removed by those 
who placed them there. It is thought by some of our friends 
in Buffalo and Cleveland, that Congress, in the exercise of its 
power to establish post roads, may remove such nuisances. If 
so, it is but reasonable to suppose that the Buffalo & State Line 
Company will be compelled to change their imported gauge to 



352 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

one of their own State, 'and thereby remove the obstructions 
they have made on this imj^ortant thoroughfare. 

This being the first report of the directors to the stock- 
holders, and a desire to place this company in its true position 
on the question of gauge alluded to, we trust will be consid- 
ered a sufReient justification for this somewhat lengthy state- 
ment. By order of the Board of Directors, 

Erie, January 18, 1853. J. C. Spencer, Sec'j'. 

As to the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, fears having been 
entertained by the stockholders that the enterprise could not 
be completed in consequence of the war alarm, the road was 
leased in 1862 to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for a 
term of 999 years. Work was vigorously prosecuted by the 
lessees, and in October, 1864, the first passenger train came 
through with a large party of excursionists. A magnificent 
entertainment was given them by the Citj^ of Erie at a cost of 
$3,000, one half being the bill for wines alone. 

The first General Superintendent of the road was Joseph 
D. Potts, 1864 ; A. L. Tyler, 1865 ; W. A. Baldwin, 1870 ; R. 
Neilson, 1881. The Superintendents of the Western Division 
have been S. A. Black, 1859 ; W. A. Baldwin, 1862 ; J. W. 
Reynolds, May 1, 1868. The general offices were at Erie until 
1874, when they were removed to Williamsport. 

Evening Herald, July 7, 1S93. 

Fastest time on record. — Tlie Fast Mail on the Lake Shore 
Railroad gave that line an opportunity yesterday to show that 
in the matter of speed it is able to make as good a record as 
the best. The train consisted of seven mail cars and a bag- 
gage car, drawn by engine No. 568, with Engineer Charles 
Allen in charge. It left Buffalo 2 hours and 15 minutes late 
and was brought into Erie, 88 miles, in 1 hour and 48 minutes. 

This time is two minutes faster than that of the Exposition 
Flyer, and the run with such a heavy train makes it re- 
markable. A stop was made at Dunkirk for water, 

November 26, 1893. — The crowd that was at the Union 
Depot Saturday to get a look at the exhibition American and 
English railway trains on their way through Erie numbered 
fully 2,000 people, and they patiently endured the chilly 
blasts in their long wait for the arrival of the trains. The 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 353 

Wagner vestibule train, drawn by the fleetest piece of wheeled 
machinery in the world, the famous "999," steamed into the 
station at 1:30 P. M., and was at once surrounded by the eager 
throng, who gazed with admiration upon the magnificent 
piece of mechanism. The engine was uncoupled and run over 
to the roundhouse to be oiled up and the tank filled with 
water for the run to Buffalo. After the engine was detached 
the crowd availed itself of the courtesy extended by the offi- 
cials and passed through the vestibuled cars, admiring their 
magnificent appointments and the comfort they afforded the 
traveler. Attached to the rear of the train was a flat car upon 
which was arranged the De Witt Clinton train of an engine 
and three carriages, not unlike the oldtime stage coach. This 
train was the same that made the trip from Schenectady to 
Albany in 1831, and afforded the spectators an illustration 
of the revolution in railway travel that sixty years has 
wrought. 

At 2 o'clock the English train, drawn by the "Empress- 
Queen," steamed in on the south side of the depot. It con- 
sisted of two English coaches, which the crowd at once de- 
clared were not to be compared with the Wagner or Pullman 
cars for elegance or comfort. The engine was an odd looking 
affair to the American eye, lacking the familiar " cowcatcher," 
and having a headlight no larger than those Erieites are ac- 
customed to see displayed upon bicycles. The bell instead of 
being forward of the cab, is perched midway upon the tank, 
and the whistle of the " Empress-Queen," sounds more like 
the toot of the small boy's Christmas horn than the ear-split- 
ting shriek that denotes the approach of the American loco- 
motive. The train was in charge of Mr. C. A. Baratoni, gen- 
eral passenger and freight agent for America of the London & 
Northwestern Railway, and he afforded the crowd all the op- 
portunity the short stay allowed to inspect the train. 

The "999" drew away from the depot first, the English 
train following a "block" behind. The three vestibule cars 
attached to the latter train were occupied by a party of Erie 
gentlemen who availed themselves of the invitation extended 
by the railway otficial to ride as far as Ripley, where they 
were picked up and brought back to Erie by train No. 9. 



354 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The old courthouse bell was lost for a time after 1854, then 
was used at the fire engine house, at which place according to 
one version it became cracked. For many years it was in 
possession of the antiquarian P, Osborn, Esq., eventually 
coming into the hands of the Young Men's Christian Associa- 
tion, where it remained until a few days previous to the visit 
of the Liberty Bell of Independence Hall on its way to the 
World's Fair at Chicago. April 26, 1893, the city had a half 
holiday and on that occasion was visited by multitudes at the 
depot — and the Erie Liberty Bell was hung in the corridor of 
the City Hall to remain permanently. 

For several years previous to the War of 1812 this bell was 
used in Fort Erie, Canada, where it was rung three times daily 
— 7 A. M., 12 M. and 9 P. M. — as it was after beiug placed on 
the old courthouse in this city, where it remained until the 
building was torn down. It also has another war record which 
can be verified by many of our citizens. It was used to call 
the people together during the railroad war, and it only re- 
quired three taps of this silver-toned relic to bring out hun- 
dreds of ablebodied men armed with guns to intimidate the 
railroad laborers. The bell was rung with more violence than 
it could stand in that exciting campaign, and became cracked 
in consequence. 

September, 1893. It may be of interest to speak of the new 
Liberty Bell cast to the order of the Daughters of the Ameri- 
can Revolution at the foundry at Troy, N.Y. It attracted gen- 
eral attention at the World's Fair, though not the reverence 
paid the old Liberty Bell in the Pennsylvania State building. 

There are three inscriptions on the bell, one at the top ridge, 
another in the center, and one at the lower edge. 

The upper one reads : "Glory to God in the highest ; on 
earth good will toward men." 

The central inscription is : "A new command I give unto 
you, that ye love one another." 

The lower is : " Proclaim liberty throughout the land and 
unto tlie inhabitants thereof." 

The bell is one of the finest castings ever made. Not a 
flaw is in the metal. It is comi^osed of a curious compound of 
precious and base metals. More than $10,000 worth of old gold 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 355 

and silver ornaments, coins and jewelry was contributed by 
the patriotic members of the order. 

An old cent which was worth $100 from its historical associ- 
ation was contributed. The tone is very sweet because of the 
quality of the casting and the metal. 

It weighs six and a half tons— 13,000 pounds. Although it 
is one of the large bells of the world, it does not approach in 
size that of the enormous bell at Moscow, which weighs 
25,000 pounds. 

The bell is six feet high and eighteen feet in circumference 
at the mouth. It has a bright lustre of a brassy nature. 

The City of Erie has 105 64-100 miles of streets opened and in 
use. Area of city, 6,916 square miles, and contains 4,426.69 
acres. Population per acre, 11. 

The electric motor cars run each way on the streets below 
named, according to the following schedule — subject to the 
fluctuations of business : On State Street every four minutes ; 
on Peach Street every ten minutes ; on Fourth Street every 
eleven minutes ; on Sixth Street every eleven minutes ; on 
Eighth Street, to city limits, every twelve minutes ; on 
Eleventh Street every eleven minutes ; on East Eighteenth 
Street every ten minutes ; on West Eighteenth Street every 
ten minutes ; French and East Twenty-sixth cars leave corner 
of State and Eighteenth streets every ten minutes ; the East 
and West Eighteenth Street cars, as well as the main line 
ears, run on State Street. 

Sk-eet Lighting.— The streets and public grounds of the city 
of Erie are lighted by 496 gas lamps at §21.50 each per annum, 
§10,664 ; and 220 electric arc lamps at $120.45 each (1,200 candle 
power) per annum, §26,499, making a total of §37,103. 

Length of all sewers in the city.— Bricl^, 10.056 miles ; cost 
§244,721.79. Tile, 21.131 miles ; cost, §236,799.03. Total, 31.- 
187 miles ; cost, §481,520.82. 

Total paved streets in city.— Stone, 6.865 miles ; asphalt, 
7.981 miles ; total, 14.846 miles. 

Mayors since 1860— Hon. Sherburn Smith, 1859-1861 ; Hon. 
Prescott Metcalf, 1862-64 ; Hon. F. F. Farrar, 1865 ; Hon. W. 
L. Scott, 1866 ; Hon. Orange Noble, 1867-70 ; Hon. W. L. 
Scott, 1871; Hon. Charles M. Reed, 1872-73 ; Hon. Henry 



356 HISTORY OF ERIE COUXTY. 

Rawle, 1874-75 ; Hon. J. W. Hammond, 1876 ; Hon. Selden 
Marvin, 1877 ; Hon. D. I. Jones, 1878-80 ; Hon. Joseph Mc- 
Carter, 1881-82; Hon. P. A. Becker, 1883-84; Hon. F. F. 
Adams, 1885 ; Hon. F. A. Mizener, 1886 ; Hon. J. C. Brady, 
1887-88; Hon. C. S. Clarke, 1889-93; Hon. Walter Scott, 
1893-96. 

Prior to and including the year 1878, the term of office of the 
Mayor of Erie Avas one year ; from 1879 to 1888 inclusive, two 
years ; 1889, one year ; 1890 to date, three years. The salary 
of the Mayor is 82,000 per year. 

President Judges of Court of Common Pleas and Quarter 
Sessions since 1860. William A. Galbraith, 1876 ; Frank Gun- 
nison, 1886. 

SOME TOWNS AND TOWNSHIPS. 

Summit Township is the smallest of the county and the last 
organized. Its name was given from its containing "the 
divide" between the waters of Le Boeuf and Walnut creeks, 
the first flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, via the Ohio and 
Mississippi ; the latter into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, by way 
of Lake Erie. 

Many years ago Col. Norris gathered oil from his quarry 
and sold it for medicine. This is known as Reynolds's quarry, 
being the nearest to Erie. A well was drilled for oil, but only 
yielded an abundance of gas. William Liddel has a smaller 
quarry. 

The First National Bank is erecting a brownstone structure 
at Northeast. Northeast has now three banks, three news- 
papers and large manufacturing interests. A new national 
bank was organized August 1, 1893, with G. W. Blaine as 
president. The old bank of thii'ty years ago had the same, 
Avith A. W. Blaine, the father of G. W. Blaine, president. 

St. Paul's German Evangelical church was organized in 1864, 
and erected its church building in 1867. 

The German church of the Evangelical Association of 
North America completed their house of worship in 1871. 

The Protestant Episcopal mission of the Holy Cross was 
organized in 1872, and erected a handsome church in 1879. 

St. Gregory's Roman Catholic church was erected in 1870. 
A parsonage adjoins the church, and Father Riordy entered 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 357 

upon the duties at first in connection with the cliurch at 
Girard. 

Edinboro was incorporated in 1840, and inckided 500 acres 
of high, gravelly land at the foot of Lake Conneauttee. Tlie 
third gristmill (the others being at Walnut Creeli and Union) 
in Erie County was erected by William Culbertson in 1801, and 
lie added a sawmill in 1802. The cemetery, which includes 
three acres, was the gift of William Culbertson, and has been 
in use seventy years. A Presbyterian church was organized 
there prior to 1819. 

Waterford was the site of an Indian village, traces of which 
were visible thirty-five years ago. 

A Mammoth Dairy Farm is at Belle Valley. It has 75 cows 
in very comfortable quarters. Twenty-five years ago Mr. H, 
H. Russell commenced selling milk in Erie with 17 cows. 
Then thei'e were but two milk wagons in the city, A. Sullivan 
& Son's, and now Mr. Russell lams two wagons daily, or rather 
his three sons, X. W., Warner, and W. H. Russell. 

A bridge of iron has just been finished to supply the place 
of one carried away by the flood. It is expected ere long that 
a new Presbyterian church will supersede the present one 
built about forty years ago. 

Union City. — At a special meeting of councils of Union City, 
Nov, 17, 1893, a board of health was appointed by the Mayor, 
and his nominations confirmed by the councils are as follows : 
Frank P. Hatch, to serve one year ; S, M. Hayes, two years ; 
Prof. N. R. Luce, three years ; G. Gary Smith, four years, and 
Dr. L. D. Rockwell, five years. The board at once held a meet- 
ing and elected the following officers : Dr. L. D. Rockwell, 
president ; Dr. W. J. Humphrey, secretary and treasurer, and 
ex-Mayor Jonathan Canfield, health officer. The sanitary 
laws of the State are to be strictly enforced, and the board is 
made up of the right kind of material to do it. 

Corry is near the east line of the county, and in both Con- 
cord and Wayne townships. It was named from Hiram Cory 
or ('orry, in consideration of his liberal dealing at the time of 
the purchase of his farm of fifty acres by Mr. Hill, superinten- 
dent of the railroad. It had been selected as a site by W. H. 
L. Smith, and was laid out in town lots by Eugene Wright, 



358 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

and is at the junction of the Philadelphia & Erie, the New 
York, Pennsylvania & Ohio, and the Oil Creek and the Cross- 
cut railroads, from Titusville to Brocton, now called the 
Buffalo, Pittsburg & Western. Corry was organized as a 
borough in 1863, became a city in 1866, and in 1870 the pop- 
ulation was 6,809 ; in 1880 it was but 5,277. Until the panic of 
1873 it was considered by some as bidding fair to rival Erie in 
the northwest. Samuel Downer, a wealthy oil refiner of Bos- 
ton, selected Corry for refineries, as obviating the necessity of 
transporting crude oil to a distance. Thousands flocked to 
this as to the whole oil region, real estate increased rapidly in 
value, and at this time a part of Wayne township was in- 
cluded, tripling its size. It has few equals and no superior as 
an inland city. Having three iixiportant railroads passing 
through, and being in direct communication with bituminous 
and anthracite coal regions, as well as oil, it has rare facilities 
for manufacturing. Freight. trains are almost constantly 
passing, and at times more than twenty passenger trains 
arrive daily. The Downer Oil Works originated the city 
in one sense, and Clark & Warren are thus spoken of in the 
Oil, Paint and Drug Reporter : " One of the best appointed 
oil refineries in the United States and of their jiainstaking 
and improved methods of manufacturing superior oils. The 
firm holds many patents on the construction of stills, etc." 
Other prominent manufactories are of woodenware, iron 
works, novelty, radiator, and many others. 

Corry has three fine brick school structures and two smaller 
ones ; three newspapes, two public halls, and three banks. 
Its churches are twelve in number, and it has an unusual 
number of secret societies. The State fish hatchery is about 
one mile west, in Wayne township, having nine acres, and 
fine cool springs which supply all the water requisite. Streams 
in all parts of the State to which they are adapted are sup- 
plied with fish. Mr. Seth Weeks, who is particularly quali- 
fied, has had charge from the commencement. In the words 
of an official, "It is the finest in the State. It has more 
ponds, better water, covers more ground, and does more busi- 
ness than any other in Pennsylvania. They hatch trout, 
brook trout, and other kinds of fish." 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 359 

The board of directors of Young Men's Christian Associa- 
tion of Corry present the following statement for three 
months ending September 30, 1893 : Total attendance at the 
rooms 1,089; total attendance at meetings only 453; average 
daily attendance 12 ; total attendance at gospel meetings 375 ; 
the membership now numbers 225. 

Benevolent Societies. — June 3, 1893, a Children's Aid Society 
was formed in Corry, the object being to provide homes for 
children who may have no friends able to take care of them. 
The annual meeting of the State society is held in Pittsburg, 
where methods of work are discussed. The aim is to have but 
one society in each county. Mrs R. G. Lindsey was elected 
president and Miss B. King secretary. A Children's Temper- 
ance Society was also organized in the Congregational church. 
Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Barnett, officers. 

GRAPES. 

When the French were at Franklin, Venango County, one 
hundred and fifty years ago, they introduced delicious grapes, 
and the vines were flourishing and bearing fruit not very long 
ago.i Wild grapes abounded in the wilds and after frost they 
were quite palatable. Sweet water and Malagas were found in 
a few gardens sixty years ago. About 1830 the Isabella and 
Catawba were cultivated to some extent, but the season was 
usually found too short for them to x'ipen well. From Kelly's 
Island, near Sandusky, the choicest Catawbas reached the 
market, and were disposed of at large prices. About twenty- 
five years ago grapes were introduced suited to our region — 
the Concord, Delaware, Salem, and Niagara. We have found 
that the Pennsylvania grape belt in some places is forty miles 
wide ; the length is said to extend from Harbor Creek, six miles 
east of Erie, to Silver Creek, New York. We may quote from 
Phillip D. Armour, of Chicago, who could not be said to have 
local prejudice. A present of a basket of mixed grapes from 
Mr. J. H. Phillips, of Maple Grove Vineyard, Mas sent him, 
which resulted in his ordering fifty baskets more, "and that 

1 Eight hundred bunches of grapes, off" the famous vine at Hampton 
Court Palace, England, have been sent to Windsor, Osborne, and Balmoral. 
There were in all 1,200 bunches as the growth of the present year. The 
fruit is, however, what would be called meagre in size, this being due to the 
depleted strength of the parent stem, which is no less than 125 years old. 



360 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

they were the finest he had ever eaten." We cannot do better 
than give some reliable newsj)aper items which have ap- 
peared. 

The Chautauqua and Northeast Grape Union sent a car of 
grapes to Seattle, Washington. The freight amounted to 
$754.40. During the grape season one car is to be sent weekly. 

"No one now doubts that the Chautauqua and Northeast 
Grape Union is a success in the largest sense of the word, be- 
cause it has proved the claims made for it by its projectors 
early in the history of the movement. The union has shipped 
over 2,000 cars of grapes and has 600 or 700 yet to ship as the 
fruit is demanded. Not a basket has been sold for less than 
eighteen cents, and the fruit has been sold on the cars and not 
consigned. 

" It is not generally known that the fruit commission men 
in the large cities attempted to combine to force down prices^ 
and were aided by a few enemies among the grape growers, 
but the movement was abortive and failed of effect. At the 
present time all the growers along the grape belt recognize the 
benefits that have come to them through organization. 

" The total amount of cash that has come into the Chautau- 
qua and Northeast grape belt from the sale of grapes this 
season will not fall short of one and a half millions of dollars. 
In consequence of the great profit this year on vineyards the 
value of grape lands has gone up appreciably, and thei'e is a 
strong demand for them as an investment. Probably no other 
form of producing property in Cliautauqua County has yielded 
anything like the rich returns that have been received by the 
owners of vineyards on the lake shore. 

" A private letter from a London (England) commission 
house to its representative in Ripley states that its customers 
say the grapes are bitter at the core. Growers here think that 
all that is indicated by this complaint is that the English 
buyers chew the pulp and seeds. 

"Northeast, Nov. 10, 1893.— The secretary of the Chautau- 
qua and Northeast Grape Union has received a telegram from 
Great Britian of great interest to all along the Chautauqua 
grape belt. The Dispatch has already noticed the fact that 
two car loads of grapes were sent to England as an experi- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 361 

ment or trial trip across the Atlantic. The Liverpool car sold 
for 39 cents per basket and the London car from 45 to 57 cents. 
The freight from here there was about 15 cents a basket, nearly 
10 cents less than it cost to Seattle, Washington. It goes with- 
out saying that the success of the Liverpool and London ex- 
periment is of much importance to the grape growers along 
the lake shore. The broad new field for marketing grapes 
must certainly have a tendency to enhance the future price in 
the Chautauqua belt. 

"The sale in Europe will net some 6 or 7 cents more per 
basket than the fruit marketed this season in America. 

"More than a quarter of a century has gone by without a 
single failure of the grape crop in Northeast, and now 
there is a good showing for a flue yield of fruit this coming 
fall. 

" Never were real estate transfers so lively here as during the 
past winter and spring. Never was there so much building 
and rebuilding and beautifying of private residences as at 
present." 

Another correspondent advises caution as follows: "All 
along the lake shore and especially in this locality thousands 
of acres of good bearing apple orchards are being torn out to 
make room for vineyards. Peach, pear, and plum orchards are 
going the same way, and it is an undeniable fact that all fruit 
excepting grapes will be at a premium the coming fall. A 
prominent Fredonia shipper of small fruits said yesterday : 

" Everything is giving away to grapes, and unless we can 
get into the English markets and get there to stay, the 
grape growers of this section will be sadly disappointed. 
Last year the grape union had to hustle to secure a market 
for the product at eighteen cents per basket. This season 
we will have nearly 2,000 acres more of bearing vines, and 
next year over 2,000 acres ; this spring nearly 2,000 acres 
of new vines will be set out, and fully as much a year hence. 
The grape industry is being overdone, and those who are 
tearing out good bearing orchards to make room for vineyards 
will see their mistake in a year. The grower will receive 
about fifteen cents per basket for his product the coming fall, 
and should the price drop one cent below this figure it will 



362 HISTORY OP ERIE COUNTY. 

certainly mean disaster and ruin to this entire section of 
country. 

"Tlie business men in different towns in the grape belt are 
becoming alarmed, and. are awake to the necessity of pushing 
the grape crop into the English market. To this end they 
now propose to establish a fund, taking the money from their 
own pockets, to be used exclusively for the purpose of secur- 
ing the English market. Tliey are aware that should the 
grape industry go down it would not only ruin the growers and 
the business men, but the property of this entire section, 
now considered so valuable, would be a drug upon the market. 
All classes of jjeople are watching just now with deep interest 
the movement of the grape union in this important mat- 
ter." 

" Northeast, January 4, 1893. — A conference was held here 
yesterday afternoon between the grape growers of this section 
and Mr. J. C. Walker, chairman of the Pennsylvania World's 
Fair Horticulture, Viticulture and Floriculture Committee, 
and Mr. Benj. Whitman, member of the Pennsylvania 
World's Fair Executive Board. 

"Mr. Walker said the object of the meeting was to give an 
opportunity to make a display of grapes and wines at the 
World's Fair, and that there is no reason why Pennsylvania 
should not be at the top at the great Chicago Exposition. 
Erie County is doubtless the banner county of the State, and 
although New York is older in her grape industry and has a 
larger area, it is believed by good judges that the territory here 
is equal if not superior to any in the grape belt. 

" He said the State is willing to meet the grape men half way 
in whatever is necessary to make a creditable display, and the 
result of the conference showed that the grape men are ready 
to do their part. Mr. Whitman made a number of practical 
suggestions and was very patriotic to Erie County and Penn- 
sylvania. Both gentleman, in fact. Walker and Whitman, 
took a very lively interest in planning for a fine display of the 
products of the vine of Pennsylvania. 

"By a unanimous vote the following was adopted: Jiesolved, 
That the grape growers of Erie County will join with the 
board of World's Fair Commission of Pennsylvania in mak- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY, 363 

ing an exhibit of gnipe culture aud grape products such 
as will be creditable to the State and an object of interest to the 
World's Fair. 

^' Besolved, That the president of the meeting be authorized 
to appoint a committee of five to act in co-operation with tlie 
committee of viticulture of the board of World's Fair Com- 
mission of Pennsylvania for the purpose of carrying out the 
objects of the above resolution." 

"The president, Mr. James H. Phillips, appointed from 
Northeast, Robert Dill, Charles H, Mottier, John B. Scouller, 
John A. Stetson ; Harbor Creek, Charles Leet. It was decided 
to ask for one thousand (1,000) square feet of space at the 
Chicago Exposition. 

"Mr. Foil stated that the South Shore Winery would have 
a display of wines at Chicago." 

Northeast, October 5, 1893.— The Grape City Packing Com- 
pany is putting up 10,000 baskets a day. There are two forces, 
eacli working ten hours. The proprietor, Mr. Morse, has 
12,000 tons yet to pick, pack, and sliip. There was no time 
last season when tlie grapes came into the different depots as 
fast as they have for the past few days, but the quality is fine, 
and there is a ready market. 

The idea has been conveyed that the yield for this season is 
the greatest in the history of the grape industry, but this is a 
mistake. The crop in almost every vineyard will be found less 
than the estimate of three months ago. Old vineyards ai'e not 
yielding on an average much more than three fourths what 
they did last year, owing to hail and wind in the different 
parts of the belt. The season will probably close two or three 
weeks earlier. The fruit is exceptionally fine, the clusters 
large and compact, with a beautiful bloom. At Dunkirk the 
grape crop this year is unusually large, the fruit large and 
sweet, and the weather favorable. Grapes are being put out at 
the rate of fifty or sixty car loads a day. The Ohio crop has 
just gone out of the market, and for that reason good prices 
are expected in this section. 

At the close of the season of 1893 we find that more than a 
million of baskets of grapes were shipped at Northeast — 
which does not include those marketed in wagons. Some of 



364 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the vineyards have yielded so bountifully that the fruit has 
brought over a hundred dollars an acre. 

Messrs. Ryckman, Fuller & Fay, of Brocton, N. Y., gave the 
following interesting statistics regarding the shipments by the 
Grape Union last season, and including transient shipments 
as far as it has been possible to obtain the figures : 

OTHER 
UNION. SHIPMENTS. TOTAL. 

Northeast 225 167' 392 

RipJey 209 204 413 

NVestfleld 308 1373^ 4453^ 

Portland 512 479 ' 991 

Pomfret 326 172i<^ 498i^ 

Dunkirk 70^4 70>4 

Sheridan 74 16 90 

Hanover 183 11 194 

Totals 1837 1257 3094 

The Northeast report includes Harborcreek, Ripley, North- 
ville, State Line, and Forsyth ; Westfleld, West Portland, 
Portland, Pomfret, Brocton, Concord, Prospect ; Pomfret, 
Fredonia, Laona, Van Buren, and a part of Dunkirk ; Han- 
over, Silver Creek, Forestville, and Perrysburg. 

In filling small orders, 3,000 baskets were taken for a carload. 

The Grape City Packing Company will erect a house two 
hundred feet long, also a new depot will be built by the 
Nickel Plate Railroad Company on the JSIcNeil property, 
which was recently purchased for §5,000, Mr. C. H. Morse 
negotiating the sale. 

In Washington, according to the Northeast Sun, they talk 
of putting a strong internal revenue tax on wine made from 
domestic grapes. This will interest this section. California is 
reported to be arranging to oppose it. The grape unions here 
and in the neighboring States should confer regarding it. 

POSTOFFICES. 

Erie is a postofflce of the first-class, having the salaiy §3,200. 
Corry is of the second class, with salary |2,300. Union City is 
of the third class, with the salary §1,700. Edinboro is also third 
class, with salaiy of §1,200, and Northeast has a salary of §1,700. 

Erie, Corry, Northeast, and Union Cit^'^ are known as 
" Presidential offices," the incumbents being appointed by the 
President, and confirmed by the Senate, the others are ap- 
pointed by the Postmaster General. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



865 



The money order offices are : Albion, Corry, East Spring- 
field, Edinboro, Erie, Fairview, Girard, Lundy's Lane, Mill 
Village, Northeast, Union City, Waterford, Wattsburg, West 
Springfield. Erie is the only letter carrier office. 



POSTOFFICES IN ERIE COUNTY. 



Albion. 

Arbuckle. 

Avonia. 

Bascobel. 

Belle Valley. 

Cherry Hill. 

Clipper. 

Corea. 

Corry. 

Delliil. 

East Greene. 

East Springfleld. 

Edinboro. 

Elgin. 

Elk Creek. 

Erie. 

Fairview. 

Ferdinand. 

Frances. 

Franklin Corners. 

Girard. 

Godard. 

Greenfield. 



Hammett. 

Harbor Creek. 

Hatch Hollow. 

Hornby. 

Itley. 

Juva. 

Katan. 

Kearsarge. 

Keepville. 

Lake Pleasant. 

Laverj'. 

Le Bo3uf. 

Little Elk. 

Lovells Station. 

Lowville. 

Lundy's Lane. 

McKean. 

McLane. 

McLallen Corners. 

Miles Grove. 

Mill Village. 

Moorheadville. 

Mystic. 



Northeast. 

North Springfleld. 

Northville. 

Ovid. 

Pennside. 

Philips ville. 

Platea. 

Pont. 

Sainpsonville. 

Sterrettania. 

Swanville. 

Tracy. 

Union City. 

Waterford. 

Wattsburg. 

Wesleyvifle. 

West Greene. 

West ]Mill Creek. 

\N'est Springfleld. 

Wheelock. 

Washby. 



CENSUS OF ERIE COUNTY, 1890, BY MINOR CIVIL DIVISIONS. 

The cities, wards, boroughs, townships and villages, as 
shown by the census, compared with that of 1880 : (From 
Census Buletin No. 105.) 

1S90. 

Albion borough 366 

Amity township 912 

Concord township 991 

Conneaut township 1,386 

Corry City 5,677 

Ward 1st 957 

Ward 2d, 1,357 

Ward 3d, 1,737. 

Ward 4th, 1,626. 

Edinboro borough 1,107 

Elgin borough 169 

Elkcreek township 1,325 

Erie City iOfiSi 

Ward 1st, 6,492. 

Ward 2d, 9,985. 

Ward 3d, 7,318. 

Ward 4th, 7,292. 

Ward 5th, 4,360. 

Ward 6th, 5,187. 

Fairview borough 305 

Fairview township 1,295 

Franklin township 963 

Girard borough 626 

Girard township, in- 



1S80. 




1890. 


ISSO. 


433 


eluding Miles Grove 






1,033 


Village 


2,280 


2.338 


1,171 


Miles Grove village 570 






1,546 


Greene township 


1,511 


1,531 


5,277 


Greenfleld township 


1,432 


1,020 




Harborcreek township 1,660 


1,781 




Le Boeuf township 


1,215 


1,420 




Lockport borough 


240 


345 




McKean township 


l,:530 


1,394 


876 


Middleboro borough.... 


195 


210 


154 


Millcreek township 


3,279 


3,279 


1,564 


Millvillage borough.... 


320 


388 


27,737 


Northeast borough 


1,.5.38 


1,396 




Northeast township ... 


2,124 


2,1.52 




Springfleld township... 


1,642 


1,792 




Summit township 


903 


1,047 




Union City borough.... 


2.261 


2,171 




Union township 


1,366 


1,.377 




Venango township 


i.asi 


1,445 


42.5 


M'ashington township 


1,790 


1,880 


1,482 


Waterford borough 


838 


784 


1,020 


Waterford township.. 


1,.537 


1,822 


703 


Wattsburg borough 


382 


389 




Wayne township 


1,124 


1,.306 









Totals 86,074 74,6 



806 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

It will be seen that outside of Erie City the only minor 
civil divisions that liave gained population are Corry, Nortli- 
east borough, Edinboro, Elgin, Union City, and Waterford. 
Millcreek township shows no change ; all of the remaining 
divisions outside of the city show a loss. 

The City Hall is located on the southwest corner of Peach 
Street and tlie West Park. It is a substantial and elegant 
edifice, and not surpassed by any other municipal building in 
Western Pennsylvania. The hall is 124 feet on Peach Street, 
64 on the Park, 88 from the basement to tlie ridge of the roof, 
and 156 from the foundation to the top of the main tower. 
The basement is occupied by the police department. City 
Engineer, Street Supervisor, and Health Officer. There are 
sixteen cells strongly constructed for temporary confinement 
of prisoners. 

The first floor has tlie offices of the Mayor, City Treasurer, 
Solicitor, Comptroller, and Water Commissioners. The second 
floor has council chambers and Q\ty clerk's office. The third 
floor has two halls, one 56 x 56, and the other 32 x 38 ; also 
committee rooms and the office of the fire department. 

The cornerstone was laid with Masonic ceremony in July, 
1884. Mr. D. K. Dean was the architect, and Erie contractors 
did most of the work. The iron cells were constructed by 
Cleveland parties, and the massive vault by Diebold & Co., 
Canton, Oliio. The brown stone trimmings (for it is built of 
brick) are of superior quality, fi'om Twinsburg, Ohio. The 
foundation and entrance are of Medina stone. The heavy 
plate glass was from a Pittsburg manufactory. The joiner's 
work is of hard wood, the floors of marble, and the cells have 
boiler iron sides, and the floors are of solid stone. The best of 
ventilation is secured. Bath rooms, drinking fountains, and 
gas jets abound. 

The entire cost of the building will be about $200,000. In 
the cornerstone Avere deposited the city ordinances, news- 
papers, a photograph of the edifice, this History of Erie 
County — but a copy of the Bible was not mentioned, though 
we trust its principles were included. Hon. William A. Gal- 
braith, being introduced by Maj. P. A. Becker, made a fine 
oration. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 367 

The Government Building. — This the most elegant pubhc 
building in the city, is on the southeast corner of State Street 
and the Park, which was purchased at a cost of $36,000. In 
1882 an act was passed appropriating $150,000 for a new govern- 
ment building in Erie, which was afterwards increased to a 
limit of §250,000. Ground was broken for the foundation in 
April, 1885. The basement is of Maine granite, and the super- 
structure is of Amherst, Ohio, sandstone. The basement stone 
work was done by an Erie contractor, Mr. Henry Shenk ; and 
the superstructure by Messrs. Straub &, Schmidt, of Buffalo. 
The roof is of tinned copper, and the plumbing was done and 
steam heating apparatus put in by Mr. J. W. Butler. Mr. 
Jacob Bootz served as superintendent. The basement is used 
for heating and storage — the entire first floor for postoffice 
purposes, with main entrances on State Street and the Park. 

The offices of Collector of Customs, Internal Revenue Col- 
lector, United States District Attorney, United States Com- 
missionei's, etc., are on the second floor. The third floor has 
two court rooms with judge and jury rooms, and the fourth 
is occupied by the United States Signal Service. A large 
clock in the tower on the corner was purchased by the 
citizens. 

The entire structure is absolutely fireproof, and the vaults 
provided for the postal service are burglar jDroof. Broad, easy 
iron stairways lead to the different stories, with the walls 
wainscoted with highly polished American marble. The 
whole building is beautifully finished and furnished, without 
exceeding the appropriation. Its dimensions are 114 feet on 
the Park, and 72 on State Street. The postoffice has 723 lock 
boxes. 

In 1887 a sad accident occurred, resulting in the untimely 
death of two of the workmen, Andrew Guenther and Mark 
Shannon, who fell from a lofty height and were instantly 
killed. 

"It Avill not be long before an elevator will be in full operation 
at the government building, and people having business with 
the signal officers will no longer have to climb up four flights 
of stairs for that purpose. The elevator, of the hydraulic 
passenger variety, is now being built by Eaton & Prince, of 



368 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Chicago. A representatiYe of the firm took the uecessary 
measurements yesterday. The elevator will cost $6,800, and 
will be run by steam, which will keep the building uncom- 
fortably hot during the summer season. Those best able to 
judge are of the opinion that a dynamo should have been put 
in and electricity used as a motive power." 

GAS COMPANIES. 

The officers of the Pennsylvania Gas Company ai"e C. N. 
Payne, President ; J. P. Jefferson, Vice-President. General 
office at Warren, Pa. Offices at Jamestown, N. Y., Erie, Pa., 
Corry, Pa., and Clarendon, Pa. 

Main line from the wells to Erie 82 miles ; low pressure lines 
in the city 38 miles ; service lines in the city 26 miles ; gas 
turned into low pressure lines Thanksgiving 1886. First ap- 
plication for natural gas in Erie made by Mr. Frank E. 
"Woods ; first consumer Dr. H. A. Spencer. Regulation 
meters were introduced in 1889. Number of consumers, about 
4,000. 

The Pennsylvania Gas Company furnishes fuel in Erie for 
9,000 fires. The gas is piped from the Ludlow field, near 
Kane, and on the main line there is a pressure of 125 pounds. 
New wells are constantly being bored to keep up the supply. 

A letter, " Erie's big card," in the Oazelte of 1870, alludes to 
our advantages over Pittsburg as a location for manufactories. 
Some newspaper clippings on the subject are as follows : 

" At that city, coal is convenient and cheap, but at the best 
it is a never-ceasing item of expense, and every year the sup- 
ply will become more scarce and costlj'. Here our fuel lies 
right underneath our feet, is brought to surface at a cost that 
bears no comparison to that of opening a coal mine, and when 
once reached the expense ceases. In resj^ect to shipping 
facilities Pittsburg has no better railroad conveniences than 
Erie, while we have the great lake in addition, where the 
'Smoky City' has nothing but an uncertain river." 

A company of Pittsburg capitalists have leased several 
hundred acres near the location of the old Bootes well on 
French Creek, and will put down a well immediately. Mr. 
John M. Arters, of Pittsburg, was in Waterford looking after 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 369^ 

the companj''s interest. This is au old field, and the Bootes 
well that was drilled years ago was a paying gas well, but that 
was before natural gas was used to any extent, so the territory 
was not developed. 

" A few days ago Janitor Avery, of the courthouse, noticed 
that all the grass within a radius of four feet in the rear of 
the yard had been killed. A little investigation proved that 
natural gas was escaping through the ground in small quan- 
tities. Some of the older men at the courthouse then remem- 
bered that in 1869, while Gen. Thomas Walker was acting 
Sheriff of Erie County, a well had been drilled in the jail 
yard to the depth of 700 feet. 

" A small vein of gas was struck, but it was not obtained in 
paying quantities. A little investigation with a shovel 
brought to light the end of the pipe which was placed in 
position nearly twenty-five years ago. A plug through which 
a half-inch pipe was inserted was placed in the end of the old 
casing and as a result there is a small flame which is allowed 
to burn night and day at the end of the pipe." 

" Mr. Colt's gas well at the corner of Ash Lane and Sixth 
Street, is now down 800 feet. The drillers say Mr. Colt has 
now all the gas he can use in his house, but the drilling will 
be continued." 

" Union City, April 20. — Mr. Rice, of Waterford, who has 
been drilling a well for oil or gas on Oak Hill, three and a half 
miles west of this city, has found the latter at a depth of 
about 800 feet in sufficient quantities to feed the boiler, and 
to-morrow will make the necessary attachments. The indica- 
tions for a big well are said to be first-class, the sand resem- 
bling that found in the best gas territory. As soon as the boiler 
connections are made the drill will be again started and will be 
run night and day until the well is completed." 

June, 1893, Mr. Casper Doll, who is building a house at the 
corner of Cherry and Eighth streets, has struck a very heavy 
flow of gas for this territory. The drill at 100 feet got a good flow 
and every ten or fifteen feet found a new vein. At 500 feet, the 
drill struck a vein of gas, the pressure of which was so heavy 
that it threw a shower of stones out of the hole. It is the in- 
tention to go down to 800 feet as soon as the pressure eases up. 



370 HISTORY OF ERIE COUXTY. 

Dr. Francis N. Thorpe saj's : "One matter has interested 
me in the History of Erie County : it is the effect of the 
discovery of oil. It is Ivnown tliat tlie climate and soil of 
the lake shore region are both the same as in the oil 
region. As soon as oil was made profitable, many of the best 
families in the oil country, selling their farms for much 
money, moved into the lake shore country, purchasing farms 
at advanced prices, locating in Erie, Northeast, etc., and 
there building costly and superior dwellings. The effect 
was to raise all values in Erie County along the lake ; im- 
provements were at once begun, the grape interest received an 
impetus and schools and churches were improved. Manufac- 
tures followed and social changes, incident to an influx of 
wealth and energy, at once were observable. It is an inter- 
esting phase of the country's history." 

In 1850-56, Avhile the railroad difficulties were pending in 
Erie, not far distant in Northwestern Pennsj-lvania another 
important matter was developing in the oil region of Venango 
County. In 1854 "Brewer, Watson & Co.," for the sum of 
§5,000, sold to Messrs. Eveleth & Bissel, for ninety-nine years, 
the territory where the principal oil springs were located. 
Prof. Silliman, of Yale College, had reported favorably on the 
value of the oil, and Col. E. L. Drake became superintendent 
of the "Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company." 

Col. E. L. Drake was furnished with all necessary funds, 
but it required strong courage to bore the earth or solid rock — 
for he had no precedent, and was looked upon as Noah was by 
the antediluvians. It was supposed by some that the manu- 
facture of salt was the main object. Rock oil was the princi- 
pal one, and faith was rewarded by success when at a depth of 
seventy feet, on August 28, 1859, a cavity in the rock was 
reached with evidence of the pressure of oil in large quan- 
tities. At first ten ban-els a day was the yield, soon after, 
forty. This was near the upper springs, in the northern por- 
tion of Venango County. Thousands rushed to the scene and 
speculators abounded in Franklin, Tidioute, up French Creek, 
the Two-Mile Run, and Oil Creek region. Companies were 
organized, lands leased or bought, machinery invented, and 
now the influence on general trade could hardly be overesti- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 371 

mated. Its importance to the manufacturing interests of tlie 
country was great. New branches of mechanical business 
have been called into existence and all bi'anches stimulated to 
new life and energj\ For instance, the steam engines that 
were required, tlie cable and rope, the establishments in Pitts- 
burg for the manufacture of lamps and chimneys — of the 
latter 4,000 dozen being made weeklj'. The influence upon 
the ocean trade has been felt in two ways : lessening the 
whale fisheries and building up the carrying of petroleum to 
foreign parts. 

Dr. Mills Eaton describes a flood that visited that region on 
March 16, 1865, which was unexampled in modern times. 
Not only had snow fallen in quantities at the headwaters of 
the Allegheny and French Creek, but on the 16th rain 
descended in torrents and as though the clouds were rent 
asunder. The Allegheny was absolutely frightful — fifty 
houses, derricks, oil tanks, lumber, staves, and oil barrels 
floated down. A bridge in Franklin was lifted up in two 
pieces ; Oil Creek bridge and Sugar Creek also. Oil City was 
completely inundated and the railroad swept away. The 
flood of 1806 was of much smaller dimensions. The loss in 
money was many millions, and yet only a temporary sus- 
pension of business ensued. ' 

"Millions in Petroleum " is the title of the following article 
from the Erie 3Iorning Dispatch, of October 10, 1898 — eighty- 
two years after the discovery: "Fifty-nine freiglat steamers 
are now employed in transporting petroleum to foreign 
countries. The capital in Pennsylvania wells and lands is 
estimated at $87,000,000, and §65,000,000 is invested in plants 
for i)roducing the crude petroleum. This is exclusive of such 
accessories as pipe lines, tank cars, refineries, docks, fleets of 
vessels, etc., and an estimate of $300,000,000 as the total valua- 
tion of all branches of the industry is not excessive." 

The Navigator of 1811 gives as follows : 

"Among the natural advantages of the waters of the Alle- 
gheny, is Oil Creek, which empties into that river about 100 
miles from Pittsburg. This creek issues from a spring on the 
top of which floats an oil similar to that called Barbadoes tar, 
and is found in such quanties that a person may gather several 



372 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

gallons a day. The oil Is said to be very efficacious in rheu- 
matic pains, rubbed on the parts affected. The troops sent to 
guard the western posts halted at this spring, collected some 
of the oil and bathed their joints with it ; this gave them great 
relief from the rheumatic complaints with which they were 
afflicted. They also drank freely of the water, which operated 
on them as a gentle cathartic. This oil is called Seneca oil in 
Pittsburg, probably from its first having been discovered and 
used by a nation of Indians of that name. It is a wise plan 
in Nature to generally place an antidote where she has plan- 
ted a poison. No climate perhaps is more subject to pains 
of the rheumatic kind than ours, arising from the sudden 
transitions from heat to cold, and vice versa; and if it be true 
that the qualities of this oil are so effectual in the cure of 
diseases to which we are more or less subject, from the nature 
of our climate, it is equally true that Nature in her wisdom 
has not been unmindful of her general plan of i^roviding a 
good for an evil in this particular instance." 

The following statement from TJw Navigator also will 
show the increase in the article of salt at the port of Erie 
from 1800 till 1809, as registered by Mr. Foster, collector of the 
of the port, December 25, 1809 : 

"In the year 1800, 723; 1801,396; 1802, 834 barrels of salt 
were entered at this port and distributed along the lake in the 
States of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and a few bar- 
rels sent to Pittsburg. 

"In the year 1803, 2,736; 1804, 3,778; 1805, 7,589; 1806, 7,261 ; 
1807, 6,774 ; 1808, 9,349 ; 1809, 14,346 barrels of salt were entered 
at this port for the consumption of this neighborhood and 
Pittsburg market, not including the supplies to the States of 
New York and Ohio, making 52,776 barrels, or 263,880 bushels 
of salt, besides other articles of merchandise, though of less 
importance, yet to a considerable extent." 

An extract from Rev. Dr. McKinney's " Family Treasure, " 
1866, gives the following list of provisions furnished by the 
contractors, Messrs. Reed & Sanford, for the inhabitants of 
Chicago in 1823. There were one hundred men garrisoned in 
Fort Dearborn, under Capt. I. Green. According to the con- 
tract they were required to deliver in June, 1823, and October, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 373 

1824, " 120 barrels of pork, 250 barrels of fine flour, 1,400 gallons 
of whisky, 110 bushels of beans, 1,760 pounds of soap, 860 
pounds of tallow candles (with cotton wicks), 28 bushels of 
salt, and 450 gallons of vinegar." The same year three times 
as much of each of these commodities was consuined at 
Green Bay, and more than twice as much at Sault de Ste 
Marie, and the same merchants had contracts for these places 
also. But Chicago has now left them both far in the back- 
ground. The arrival of six barrels of salt would be no great 
event for Chicago now. The 430 pounds of tallow candles to 
their present gas and electricity could not " hold a candle " for 
one night only, and as for Chicago importing 250 barrels of 
fine flour from Erie, and living upon it sixteen months, so 
small a matter has not been heard of from them the last 
seventy years. "Where we are we know, whither we are 
going no man knoweth." 

A Retrospective Glance of February Weather of the last 
Nineteen Years. Compiled by Weather Observer Wood. — The 
mean or normal temperature during nineteen years (which is 
the length of time this station has been established) has been 
28 degrees, the warmest in February, 1882, with an average of 
37 degrees, and the coldest in 1875, when the average was only 
10 above zero. On February 16, 1883, the temperature was 70 
degrees above, and on February 9, 1875, 16 below zero — the 
two extremes noted. In precipitation (rain or melted snow) 
the average has been 3.43 inches, with an average of seventeen 
days in February of each year on which the precipitation was 
.01 of an inch or more. The greatest monthly precipitation 
Avas 8.50 inches in 1887, the least, 0.33 inches in 1877. 

The month has averaged four cloudless, ten partly cloudy, 
and fourteen cloudy days during this term of years, and pre- 
vailing winds have been from the south. Their greatest veloc- 
ity was sixty-four miles per hour, in 1875. 

For nineteen years the mean or normal temperature in 
Erie has been 33 degrees. The warmest December was in 
1889, averaging 41 degrees, and the coldest was in 1876, with 
an average of 22 degrees. The highest temperature during any 
December was 70 degrees, on December 29, 1889. The coldest 
was 11 degrees below zero, December 30, 1890. The average 



374 HISTORY OF ERIE COU>^TY. 

monthly precipitation lias been 3.36 inches ; the greatest 
monthly precipitation, 6.44 inches, occurring in 1881, and the 
least, .75 inches, in 1876. The average number of cloudless 
days per month was three ; partly cloudy, seven ; cloudy days, 
twenty-one. The prevailing winds have been from the south- 
west, and the highest velocity of the wind was southeast fifty- 
two miles on December 24, 1875. 

Parks. — Glen wood Park, just outside of the city limits 
between two much-traveled roads leading towards Waterford, 
is appropriately named. The Central Parks in the center of 
the old first section at the intersection of Sixth and State 
streets are the glory of the city. Lake Side, between State 
Street and French, has expended its appropriation by the city 
of $1,500, and is assuming an aspect of beauty ; and Cascade 
will doubtless in a conapleted state creditably add to the num- 
ber. These are mere breathing spots, but Glenwood has 
93 acres from the Robert Evans farm, and enough from the 
John Elliott and Henry Shannon farms to aggregate 115 acres, 
with a fine mansion, a commodious barn, excellent spring- 
house and drinking Avater. Thirty acres are covered with 
forest trees, some being very fine and imposing. A gas well 
for many years past has enlightened the whole vicinity. 
Enjoyments of an unobjectionable nature are promoted, but 
nothing of a demoralizing tendency is allowed. The full 
board for the first year is composed of J. F. Downing, A. H. 
McMullen, William Spencer, William A. Galbraith, M. H. 
Taylor, George Seldeu, F. F. Adams, Richard O'Brien, Frank 
V. Schultz, William N. Nicholson, F. Brevellier, W. J. Sands, 
H. F. Watson, I. Sobel, Joseph Metcalf. Through their 
efforts $25,000 has been subscribed. Mr. J. F. Downing sub- 
scribed $5,000, Judge Galbraith, §2,000, and several others of 
the board §1,000. Much money is required for improving the 
grounds. Dedicatory exercises were held October 19, 1892. 

3fassassauga Point is at the head of Presqu'ile Bay, and is 
now a delightful sunnner resort, having been purchased 'in 
1833 by Hon. William L. Scott. In 1796, twenty or thirty 
Indian families resided there, of the Seneca tribe, being the 
last Indian village in this vicinitj'. In 1800, Eliphlet Beebe, 
a ship carpenter, took up the land under the laws of the State, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 375 

for a shipyard. It was next the farm of Thomas Laird. 
James C. Marshall and E. J. Kelso owned farms adjoining 
that had been Indian cornfields. The name Massassauga is 
supposed to have been that of a tribe having relations with 
the Eries. A short, thick rattlesnake also bore that name, 
which species disappeared before civilization. The Massas- 
sauga Hotel was burned in 1882, It is still a charming resort, 
and the electric cars as they pass through a wild ravine and 
descend to the lake level present a bit of scenery of unusual 
grandeur. An iron ore bed was discovered many years ago in 
the vicinity, and was quarried by a furnace at Conneaut, Ohio, 
and was used at the blast furnace of Vincent, Himrod & Co., 
but was exhausted after a few years. The road from the 
schoolhouse to the shore of the bay was laid out for hauling 
the ore to the vessels. At present sand has accumulated and 
would render an approach to a vessel impossible. 

Some of Erie's wealthy citizens are erecting summer resi- 
dences on the lakeside Judge William A. Galbraith, about 
1880, built a pretty villa at the mouth of Six Mile Creek, 
where is a park, bathing, and boating. Mr. Charles H. 
Strong has a costly log cabin on the bluff at the mouth of 
Cascade Creek. Ex-Congressman Griswold and Mr. H. F. 
Watson have beautiful sites at the mouth of Miles Run, seven 
miles west of Erie. On the Ball farm is a clubhouse, fishpond, 
etc. At "Harts' Farm" many Pittsburgers, as well as our 
own citizens, have picturesque, romantic summer retreats. 

Chautauqua Lake is generally supposed to be the highest 
navigable body of water on the globe. It is well then to get 
at the facts and figures. Lake Canadohta, located 17 miles 
south of Union City, is 84 feet higher than Chautauqua 
and is navigable. The relative height of all the lakes in 
this vicinity is as follows : Erie, 573 feet above the sea ; 
Conneaut Lake is 1,070; Lake Le Boeuf, at Waterford, is 
1,180 ; Conneauttee, 1,196 ; Chautauqua, 1,305 ; Lake Pleasant, 
1,325 ; Lake Canadohta, 1,389. These levels were taken by 
Prof. J. C. White, under the employ of the State, and are en- 
dorsed by Peter Lesley, State geologist. 



SECTION IV. 

Biographies of Dr. Usher Parsons — Capt. W. W. Dobbins {an ex- 
tract) — Oliver H. Perry — Major Andreiv Ellicott — Two Foreigners 
—Dr. F. N. Thorpe—Rev. C. Dickson, D.D.— William Wallace, 
Esq. — Wallace Family — Judge Converse — Rev. T. H. Robinson, 
D.D. — Judge A. Tourgee — Bishop J. F. Spaulding — Rev. Dr. 
Stuckenberg — Dr. Artemas Martin — Rev. Dr. Chamberlain — Miss 
E. Ditto — Dr. and Ernest Ingersoll — Rev. K. Fullerton — Messrs. 
Perkins — Judge James Thompson and family — Hon. William L. 
Scott — Visits of Nine Presidents — Citizens inentioned. 

MEMOIR OF USHER PARSONS, M.D., OF PROVIDENCE, R. I. 
By liis son, Dr. Charles W. Parsons. 

It IS well known that a controversy arose between Com. 
Oliver H. Perry and Jesse D. Elliott in relation to the conduct 
of the latter in the naval battle of September 10, 1813 ; and 
that long after Perry's early death, the credit of victory was 
claimed for Elliott by himself and his friends. Dr. Parsons 
took a warm and active interest in this dispute. He was 
strongly attached to Perry and convinced that Elliott's con- 
duct was disgraceful. In conversation, by newspaper articles, 
by contributions to writings published by others, and, lastly, 
in a public historical address, he vindicated the claims of 
Perry and the truth of history, as he understood it, often in 
terms reflecting severely on Elliott and his defenders. 

In January, 1836, Tristam Burges read a discourse before the 
Rhode Island Historical Society, in which he gave a vigorous 
account of the battle. In 1839 this was published with copious 
notes and diagrams of the battle in different positions. Some 
of these notes were furnished by Dr. Parsons. The " extract 
from the logbook of the Lawrence'''' was taken from his diary. 
He contributed many notes to the "Life of Commodore 
Perry," published in 1840 by Alexander Slidell Mackenzie. 

In 1852, having been invited to deliver the stated annual 
discourse before the Rhode Island Historical Society, he chose 

376 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 377 

for his subject, the history of tlie battle of Lake Erie. "I 
have made this choice," lie says, "first, because this battle is a 
part of Rhode Island history and, therefore, appropriate to the 
occasion ; secondly, because I could speak of it from personal 
knowledge ; and, thirdly, because a very inaccurate and per- 
verted account of it has been written and imposed upon the 
public by the late J. Fenimore Cooper, Esquire." He nar- 
rates the circumstances which led to the formation of a fleet 
on Lake Erie, the difficulties under which it was created and 
got afloat, and the reasons why it is regarded as belonging to 
Rhode Island history. He relates the incidents of the battle 
quite fully, and then attacks Elliott and Cooper in a style of 
indignant sarcasm. In the words of Mr. Arnold : " He has 
done this in a style that leaves nothing to be said upon the 
points in dispute. His own testimony is direct and incontro- 
vertible. His reply to the assaults of Cooper is comjirehen- 
sive and complete. A certain irony pervades this portion of 
the address, which is the approjDriate weapon wherewith to 
treat mendacity of statement when brought to the support of 
cowardice of conduct and infamy of character." Dr. Parsons 
always had a fondness for written controversy, and could 
handle the caustic pen as well as the scalpel or saw. 

In his more advanced life, he became well known in the 
growing cities along the southern shore of Lake Erie, and 
often visited this region. The importance of Perry's victory 
was more appreciated and there were various plans for the 
erection of monuments. Dr. Parsons was the only surviving 
officer of the battle who had cultivated historical tastes and 
the powers of writing and oratory. 

In 1858 the anniversary was celebrated at Put-in-Bay Island, 
near Sandusky, where Perry's fleet had anchored the night 
before the battle. There was a very large assemblage, and 
a brilliant display of yachts and steamers. Hon. Salmon 
P. Chase presided at the ceremonies on the island. Three sur- 
viving officers appeared on the platform ; Capts. Champlin and 
Brownell speaking briefly, while Dr. Parsons read an elaborate 
nari'ative discourse. This was received with a great deal of 
interest by the large audience and published in the principal 
newspapers of the region. He afterward wrote in his note- 



378 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

book, "This anniversary was among the most dehghtful of 
my life, as well as the most interesting." 

Two years later the forty-seventh anniversary was celebrated 
at Cleveland. That city alone successfnlly carried out the 
plan of erecting a monument to Perry, which on that day was 
dedicated. It stands in the park at Cleveland, and consists of 
a statue of Perry, and of other appropriate sculptures. The 
dedication, September 10, 1860, was very largely attended. 
The Governor of Rhode Island, with many of her civil and 
military officers, were present by special invitation. The two 
most important features of the literary exercises of that day 
were the oration by Hon. George Bancroft and a historical 
address by Dr. Parsons. 

These three discourses relating to the battle of Lake Erie all 
give the story in essentially the same way, and show some 
unavoidable repetition. The two delivered at Put-in-Bay and 
Cleveland are not, however, controversial. 

In his later journeys along Lake Erie, Dr. Parsons was re- 
garded as a guest of the public, and was passed and enter- 
tained as such on the steamboats and railroads. These various 
acknowledgments of his early services, and the kind reception 
of his historical discourses, after he had passed the age ot 
seventy, gave him the keenest pleasure. 

In 1838, he revisited Erie, after an absence of nearly 
twenty-four years. In his diary he writes: "I called on 
Capt. Dobbins, who was a sailingmaster in the war, now com- 
mander of the revenue cutter. I went with him to the 
Peninsula, [Erie was formerly called Presqu'isle] and trod 
once more the deck of the Laivrence^ now a hulk resting about 
east a quarter of a mile from the old blockhouse. Her deck is 
in a sound state ; but the water comes nearly up to it, so that 
I could not see her hold. In this vessel I sailed in 1813, and 
was in battle. She was repaired the following year, and I 
went in her to Mackinac with troops under Col. Croghan. She 
was sunk and remained so till within the last two or three 
years, when she was raised and proved to be perfectly sound. 
Took some pieces from her to make canes of. This visit to 
Erie gave me indescribable pleasui'e. The thousand associa- 
tions . . . the pleasure afforded in taking old friends by 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUjNTY. 379 

the hand after a separation of twenty -four years ; . . . the 
grave yard, where lie the bodies of great numbers of early 
friends ; the changes and vast improvements about the city — 
elegant houses and churches where there were then but a few 
humble dwellings — all, all tended to render my stay there one 
of the most intense interest, on many occasions so powerful as 
to take from me the power of speech. But what shall I say of 
the protecting mercy of Him who, through dangers seen and 
unseen, perils by land and perils in the deep, has surrounded 
my path, and preserved me to the present moment ? May the 
remainder of my days be more devoted to His service." 

After a decline of some months. Dr. Usher Parsons died 
on Dec. 19, 1868, aged 80 years. " Loved in life and honored 
in death, his memory will be revered by all who value these 
hi • h qualities of manhood which were united in his character." 
A'hen Capt. George Miles purchased the Laivrence, Detroit, 
Queen Charlotte, and Niagara of Mr. B. H. Brown, he raised 
the vessels, intending to fit them up for the merchant service. 
The two prizes were found in tolerable condition, but the 
Lawrence required thorough repair, and was too shallow in 
the hold for a merchant vessel — being but nine feet. She 
was allowed to sink again and was brought to the surface, 
only to, be viewed as a curiosity and cut into fragments to 
serve as relics. A part of the ship was transported by railroad 
to Philadelphia and placed on exhibition on the Centennial 
grounds in 1876. Capt. William W. Dobbins wrote in pam- 
phlet form a "History of the Battle of Lake Erie," w^hich 
accompanied it. The title of the owners is as follows : 

Bill of sale from Benjamin H. Brown, of Rochester, New 
York, to A. Q. D. Leech (who transferred to George Miles), of 
Lawrence, Niagara, Detroit, and Queen Charlotte ; said bill of 
sale being made to George Miles separately, bearing date as 
per acknowledgment, June 20, 1835. 

(Signed) B. H. Brown. 
Acknowledgment by George Mumford, Commissioner of 
Deeds. 

Letters of Col. Thomas Forster, Collector of Customs for the 
District of Presqu'ile (Erie), to the Secretary of the Navy, in 
regard to any claim the government might have to said 



380 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

vessels. The inquiiy being made for information enabling the 
collector to grant papers to the brig Queen Char'lotte, then 
to be fitted out for the merchant service, bearing date April 7, 
1835. 

Also, answer of ]Mahlon Dickinson, Secretary of the Navy, 
disclaiming any interest of the government in said vessels, 
bearing date April 23, 1835. 

Also, transfer of all right, title, and interest of George Miles 

in said vessel to Leander Dobbins, bearing date December 9, 

1857. 

(Signed) George Miles. 

Also, transfer of hulk of Laivrence to Thomas J. Viers and 
John Dunlap, bearing date September 10, 1875. 

(Signed) Leander Dobbins. 

Oliver Hazard Perry was born at South Kingston, Rhode 
Island, Aug. 23, 1785. His father, Christopher Raymond 
Perry, was born in the same place in 1761, and was a post- 
captain in the navy until the reduction in 1801, when he 
received the appointment of collector at Newport. He mar- 
ried Sarah Alexander in 1784, and of a large family descended 
from them almost every jnale member served with dis- 
tinction in the navy. Mathew Calbraith joined in the Japan 
expedition in 1852 ; he was a brother ten years younger than 
the "Hero of Lake Erie." Oliver Hazard Perry entered 
the navy as a midshipman in 1799; served in the Tripolitan 
war ; had charge of a flotilla of gunboats in New York Har- 
bor in 1812, and in 1813 he served under Chauncey on Lake 
Ontario. Then, being only master-commander, he superin- 
tended building the fleet at Presqu'ile (Erie), and September 
10, 1813, gained the complete and brilliant victory over the 
British squadron at Put-in-Bay, Sandusky. He received a 
vote of thanks from Congress for his bravery, and a gold 
medal, and was promoted to a post-captain. Late in 1813 
he assisted Gen. Harrison in retaking Detroit. In 1815 Perry 
commanded the Java, of Decatur's squadron in the Mediter- 
ranean, and in 1819 was appointed to the command of a squad- 
ron for the coast of Columbia. In July, he ascended the 
Orinoco to Angostura, and on leaving the river was seized 
with yellow fever, which terminated fatally the day his vessel 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 381 

arrived at Port Spain, Triuidad, West Indies, being the 23d 
of August, 1819. His remains were buried there, and in 1826 a 
sloop-of-war removed tlieni to Newport, R. I., where they were 
re-interred witli great ceremony. The State of Rhode Island 
erected a fine granite monument to his memory. In 1860 a 
handsome marble statue of him by Walcutt was erected in a 
public square in Cleveland, O., with imposing ceremonies. At 
the unveihng Hon. George Bancroft, the historian, delivered 
an address ; Dr. Usher Parsons, who was the surgeon at 
tlie battle, read a historical discourse, and at a dinner after- 
wards, about three hundred surviving soldiers of the war of 
1812-15 sat down. The average of their ages was about seventj'^ 
years, and the aggregate of the venerable company was about 
20,000 years ! — Collated from Lossing. 

Maj. Andreiv Ellicott. — The subject of this sketch devoted a 
long life to the service of his countrj^, and illustrated in an 
eminent degree the valuable aid intelligence and learning can 
render in the settlement of a new country. He was born in 
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, January 24, 1754. His attain- 
ments in science soon drew public attention to him, and from 
the Revolution to the day of his death he was employed in 
the fulfilment of trusts conferred by the general of the State 
governments. Though belonging to the society of Friends, he 
commanded a battalion of Maryland militia in the Revolu- 
tion. In 1784 he was employed on behalf of Virginia in fix- 
ing the boundary line between that State and Pennsylvania. 
In 1786 he was commissioned by the Supreme Executive 
Council of the State to run the northern boundary line of 
Pennsylvania, and in 1788 he was directed to make a survey of 
the islands in the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers within the 
bounds of the State. In 1789 he was commissioned by the 
United States government to locate the western boundarj' of 
New York State and ascertain the validity of the claim of 
that State to the site upon which Erie now stands. He 
located the line, after much hardship and trouble, some 
twenty miles east of Presqu'ile; his valuable service in this 
important and responsible survey seems to have been duly 
appreciated by Washington, for he writes in the year of its 
completion: "Gen. Washington has treated me with atten- 



382 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

tion. The Speaker of Congress and Governor of the State 
have constantly extended to me most flattering courtesies." 
In 1790 he was employed by the United States government to 
survey and lay out the District of Columbia and Washington 
City; in 1796 he was appointed by Washington commissioners 
to fix the boundary line between the United States and the 
Spanish Possessions. One important trust succeeded another, 
for more than forty years, and up to the time of his 
death he was constantly employed in some public capacity. 
His high character and superior intelligence elevated him 
without special eflbrt ; he had an exalted sense of duty, and a 
well-sustained conception of personal responsibilities. In 
March, 1801, he was appointed by Jefferson surveyor-general 
of the United States, which office he accepted upon conditions 
imposed by himself. In 1813 he was appointed professor of 
mathematics in the military academy of West Point, and 
removed there with his family, and there he died August 28, 
1820. He left a widow and nine children ; Col. John H. 
Bliss, of Erie, is his grandson. President Hale, in his memoir 
of Maj. David Bates Douglass, the son-in-law of Andrew 
Ellicott, says: "The memoir of the late Andrew Ellicott, 
when written, will form a valuable addition to the history of 
our country, taking us away from the beaten ground of battle- 
fields and Senate chambers and cabinets to the services whicli 
science can render in the settlement of a new country in a 
civilized age. — Extract from StuarVs '■'■Civil and Military Engi- 
neers of America.''^ 

Two distinguished foreigners are connected by marriage 
with Erie families : Richard Claverhouse Jebb, LL.D., regius 
professor of Greek at the University of Cambridge, England ; 
the other, George H. Darwin, F.R.S., LL.D., of the Plumian 
chair of astronomy at Cambridge University, England. He 
has also the honor of being the third son of the eminent 
naturalist, Charles Darwin, whose investigations and writings 
have made a new epoch in the scientific world, and is himself 
a scientist of world-wide reputation, and an authority in his 
special department. Prof. Dai'win was married in Erie, July 
22, 188-1, to Miss Maud De Puy, by Rev. G. A. Carstensen, of St. 
Paul's P. E. Church, at the house of her sister, Mrs. William 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 883 

Spencer, No. 143 West Eighth Street, having an elegant en- 
tertainment and costly presents from friends on both sides of 
the ocean, " The fair representative of America who has 
drawn across the ocean tliis bearer of a distinguished name is 
the daughter of Charles M. Du Puy,*of Philadelphia, whose 
Huguenot ancestors have been prominent in the past, and en- 
title him to the position he holds at the head of the Pennsyl- 
vania branch of tlie American Huguenot Society." 

Prof. Jebb, above mentioned, in 1874, married the widow of 
Lieut.-Col. Slemmer, U. S. A.,^ who is a sister of Maj. J. W. 
Reynolds, Superintendent P, & E. R. R., and aunt of Mrs. 
Darwin. Prof. Jebb has frequently visited our country. In 
1892 he delivered the second annual course upon the founda- 
tion named the " Percy Trumbull Memorial Lectureship in 
Poetry," by special invitation of Johns Hopkins University. 
After completing the course on the Greek language and litera- 
ture there, a similar course was delivered in Chicago. Maj. 
Reynolds and Mr. Spencer met him in Baltimore, and the 
party occupied the private car of Vice-President Thompson 
over the P. & E. road. 

Of the published works of Prof. Jebb, "The Complete 
^Vorks of Sophocles" has received very many favorable 
notices fi-oni reviewers. Other publications are "Theophrastus 
Characters," "Modern Greece," "Life of Bentley," "Eras- 
mus," and many lectures. 

Francis Newton Thorpe was born in Swampscott, Essex 
County, Massachusetts, April 15, 1857, and is descended from 
Miles and Rose Standish, who were of the Mayflower com- 
pany. In 1865 Mr. Thorpe's parents moved into Erie County 
and settled at Northeast. He passed through the public 
schools of this place and in 1875 completed the four years' 
course of study in the Lake Shore Seminary, an institution of 
learning that flourished in Northeast from 18G9 to 1883. 
Among his class-mates in the county are Mr. A. E. Sission 
and Mr. Walling, district attorneys ; and ]Mr. J. JNI. Force. 

After graduation he began teaching in the High School at 

1 Gen. Slemmer was famed for saving Fort Pickens after the Federal 
forces found it impossible to hold the Pensaeola navy-yard. Picliens was 
llie one stronghold on the mainland from the Chesapeake to the Rio 
Grande, over whicli the flag of the Union never ceased to float. 



384 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Pleasantville, Pennsylvania, and continued his studies. A year 
later be was elected teacher of the schools at Northeast and 
soon after put in charge of them. By his efforts a course of 
study was adopted which fits for college, and the schools soon 
took high rank in the county. In 1880 he traveled in Europe. 
Three years later he completed the post-graduate course in 
history at Syracuse University and received the degree of 
Doctor of Philosophy from that institution. The subject of 
his doctor's thesis was "The Federal Principle in American 
Oovernment." Having registered for the study of law in 
1879, with Judge John P. Vincent, of Erie, Mr. Thorpe 
entered Judge Vincent's law ofRce in 1884, and in June, 1885, 
was admitted to the bar. On the day of his admission he was 
elected to the Fellowship in History and Political Science, in 
the Wharton School, in the University of Pennsylvania, and 
in September of that year he entered the law school of that 
university and began special studies in American history 
with John Bach McMaster, the historian. 1886 he was re- 
elected fellow, and elected professor of History and Social 
Science in the Central Manual Training School of Philadel- 
phia. In 1889 appeared his work entitled "The Government 
of the People of the United States," designed as a text-book 
on American institutions and which immediately was favora- 
bly received, passing through eight editions in the next four 
years. In 1891 appeai'ed his "Story of the Constitution," 
written for the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, and 
in 1893 appeared his next work involving vast labor, entitled 
"Benjamin Franklin and the University of Pennsylvania," 
printed by the government of the United States. This is a 
critical account of Franklin as an educator, and of Franklin's 
influence in the United States, together with the history of 
the University of Pennsylvania (of which Franklin was the 
founder) from 1740 to 1893. 

While at Oxford University in 1880, Mr. Thorpe conceived 
the idea of a school wholly devoted to the study and investi- 
gation of American history and institutions, and in 1886 he 
entered upon the foundation of such a school at the Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania. For five years he collected moneys, 
books, rare MSS., and material for the equipment of such a 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 385 

school. It was a noble conception and it was successfully 
carried out. In describing the schools in the history of the 
University, Mr. Thorpe writes : " The school was established 
in 1891 by the trustees of the university, as a result of the 
cooperative labors of William Pepper, M.D., LL.D., Provost 
of the University ; Joseph D. Potts, John B. Gest, and Hon. 
S. W. Pennypacker, of the board of trustees ; Charles Elmer 
Bushnell, Ferdinand J. Dreer, Hon. Thomas Cochran, Joseph 
G. Rosengarten, Richard L. Austin, John Bach McMaster, 
and Francis Newton Thorpe." The library of the school is 
specially rich in United States public documents, second in 
completeness to the collection in the British Museum. 

In 1891 he resigned the chair of history in the training 
school and was elected professor of American Constitutional 
History in the University of Pennsylvania. In 1889 he was 
admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 
Since 1885 he has rapidly won distinction and recognition in 
his chosen specialty, American constitutional history and law. 
He is widely known as a lecturer on these subjects and he has 
written on them for The Century Magazine, The Atlantio, The 
Chautauquan, and for numerous educational magazines. He 
has been closely identified with the growth of University Ex- 
tension in this countiy. He is a member of several learned 
societies and is one of the council of the American Academy 
of Social and Political Science. 

His library of rare originals and works on State constitu- 
tional history is not surpassed by any of the kind in this 
country. 

He spends a portion of his summers at Northeast, and takes 
great interest in all pertaining to the history of Erie County. 
He is fond of music, art and literature ; is a constant con- 
tributor to the press on questions of the day ; is fond of assist- 
ing young men in their educational efTorts, and is identified 
with many useful undertakings. 

Rev. Cyrus Dickson, D.D., for eleven years one of the secre- 
taries of the Presbyterian Home Missionary Society, and one 
of the most eloquent pulpit orators and successful pastors of our 
country, was a native of Erie County. His father. Elder Wm. 
Dickson, commenced life for himself in the southern part, and 



386 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ill 1801 removed to the head of French Creek — afterwards to 
the northeast township, one mile and a lialf from the lake. 
Dr. Dickson M-as born Dec. 20, 1816. His mother was Christina 
Moorhead, daughter of James and Catherine Moorhead. 
Though quiet and unassuming, "she was a woman of princi- 
ple and of conscience, and in some things much in advance 
of her neighbors." Her heroic conduct at a barn-raising in 
her husband's absence has been much and deservedly 
published, and resulted in generally banishing spirits on such 
occasions. Dr. Dickson graduated at Jefferson College, and 
was licensed to preach by Erie Presbytery in 1839. His first 
pastorate was at Franklin, Venango County. In 1848 he 
had a call to Wheeling, West Virginia, where he remained 
until 1856, when he was installed in the Westminster 
Church of Baltimore. After his appointment as secre- 
tary in 1870 he with his family resided in New York. He 
was married in 1840 to Miss Delia McConnell, of Girard, Pa. 
In 1858 he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity 
from AVashington College. His continuous labors made re- 
laxation desirable, and he planned a journey abroad, but the 
disorded state of that country prevented traveling in Pales- 
tine. In 1877 he attended as a delegate the Pan-Presbyterial 
Council, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dr. Dickson Avas permanent 
clerk of the General Assembly from the reunion of the Old 
and New School branches until his decease, September 11, 1881. 
William Wallace, Usq.,ii brother of Dr. J. C. Wallace, the 
first burgess of Erie, was a lawyer of prominence who came 
to Erie from Harrisburg in 1800, as the attorney for the 
Pennsylvania Population Company. He married in 1803 
Rachel, daughter of Dr. A. Forrest, who died in Erie in 1804. 
In 1806, he married Eleanor Maclay, of Harrisburg, and re- 
turned there to reside in 1810. He resumed his i^rofession, was 
elected the first president of the old Harrisburg Bank, and 
was burgess of Harrisburg at the time of his death. He was a 
polite, urbane man, of slight frame and concise address. His 
only daughter, Mary Eleanor, married Rev. W. R. De Witt, 
D. D., long the pastor of the Presbyterian church of Harris- 
burg. Dr. William M. Wallace, the prominent physician of 
Erie, and Irwin M. Wallace, Esq., his sons, were among our 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 387 

most valued citizens for over half a century. Miss Julia A. 
W. De Witt, a grandchild, is the author of " How he made his 
Fortune," and "Life's Battle Won," and is a frequent and 
able contributor to church papers, Rev. John De Witt, D.D., a 
professor of Princeton Theological Seminary, and the gifted 
preacher is also a grandson. 

The Wallace and Heron families in the Army and Navy. 

By Elizabeth Pollock, a descendant. {By request.) 

Mr. Benjamin Wallace was in the War of the Revolution ; 
was born in 1727, and died in 1803. 

Dr. John C. Wallace was a Surgeon in the U. S. Army, 
came to Erie with Gen. Wayne, and resigned to settle here. 

Benjamin Wallace (brother of Dr. J. C. Wallace), was a 
Major in the U. S. Army, commissioned in 1813. 

James Gordon Heron was in the War of the Revolution, 
and afterward was a Major in the U. S. Army. 

Margaret Heron married Dr. John C Wallace, of the army. 

Hannah Heron married Capt. Daniel S. Dexter, of the U. 
S. Navy. After his death she married Maj. Nelson, of the U. 
S. Army. 

Nancy Heron married Lieut. Hopson, of the U. S. Army. 

Jane Wallace (daughter of Margaret Heron) married Capt. 
Otis Wheeler, of the U. S. Army. 

Hannah Foster, (daughter of Jane Heron) married Gen. 
Crosman, of the U. S. Ai'my. 

Hannah Irvine (daughter of Mary Ann Heron) married 
Lieut. Cutts, of the U. S. Army. 

Otis W. Pollock (grandson of Margaret Heron Wallace), is 
a captain in the Twenty-third Infantry, U. S. Army. 

Alexander Crosman (grandson of Jane Heron Foster) was 
lieutenant in the U. S. Navy. 

Frederick Crosman (grandson of Jane Heron Foster) was 
lieutenant in the U. S. Army. 

Mary E. Cutts (granddaugliter of Mary Ann Heron Irvine) 
married Col. William Craig, of the U. S. Army. 

Calvin De Witt (grandson of William Wallace, who was 
a brother of Dr. J. C. Wallace and Benjamin Wallace) is a 
Surgeon in the U. S. Army. 

Lieut. S. K. Allen, U. S. N., and grandson of Col. Ethan 



388 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Allen married Miss Eleanor Wallace, daughter of J. M. Wal- 
lace, Esq. 

All these I have mentioned were in the regular service of 
the United States, but when it comes to volunteer and militia 
service, a much larger list could be named. 

Benjamin Wallace, son of Dr. J. C. Wallace, was a volunteer 
in the army of Texas, with the rank of major, in 1835 and 
1836, when Texas fought for her independence from Mexico. 
He was taken prisoner hy the Mexicans, and by the order of 
Santa Anna was, with other prisoners, shot in cold blood, at 
the massacre of Goliad. 

Charles Crozat Converse, the son of Manning Converse, and 
grandson of Jacob, [whose distinction it was to unite, by 
his marriage, the lines of the Winthrop and Kobinson settle- 
ments in America, as, after graduation from Brown University 
in 1790 he married Miss Ellen Robinson, of Plymouth, Mass., 
of the family of the Puritan leader, and whose ancestress, 
of the same name, was an heir of Capt. Miles Standish] is 
well known by his contributions to general literature and 
his success in his profession of the law. He also ranks as one 
of America's leading orchestral composers. "While pursuing 
his literary and legal studies in Germany, he took a course 
of instruction in musical composition under the great harmo- 
nist Richter, and his professional confreres, at Leipsic. Spohr, 
Mr. Converse's orchestral mentor, Liszt, and other composers 
highly praised his orchestral works, which embrace overtures, 
symphonies, cantatas, etc. His "American Concert Over- 
ture," for full orchestra, was played at the Boston Peace 
.Tubilee, it being chosen from thirty works there offered. His 
" Im Frueling " has been played several times in New York 
under the direction of Theodore Thomas, and his "Psalm 
Cantata," on the 126th Psalm was performed at the concert of 
the Music Teachers' National Convention in Chicago, July 
1888, under the same direction. The American overture on 
"Hail Columbia," which was played at the World's Fair 
on the Fourth of July, was enthusiastically received. The 
overture numbers fifty-eight printed pages. Its singular his- 
toric value concerning the formation of a school of American 
music is recognized by the purchase of its score, and the first 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 389 

proof copy of it in print for preservation with tlie collection of 
Columbia meiiientos now being formed in Chicago. 

It was after examining this work that Spohr, Mr. Converse's 
musical mentor, made the notable prophecy that " If its com- 
poser devotes himself to musical composition, America need 
not look to Europe for works of the higher class." 

" The words and music of Charles Crozat Converse's Ameri- 
can national hymn, 'God for Us,' M^as one of the many spe- 
cial features of the Mail and Express souvenir Washington 
centennial edition to-day. This noble hymn is growing 
steadily in popularity and frequently makes its appearance at 
national and patriotic celebrations. It possesses every essen- 
tial for a national song and has become a favorite in Grand 
Army circles. The Mail and Exp7'ess printed 250,000 copies 
of 'God for Us ' for its centennial souvenir." — American Art 
Journal. 

The popular hymn " What a Friend we have in Jesus " has 
been ti'anslated into many languages and may be heard in 
strange lands. 

Mr. Converse married Miss Lida Lewis, of Alabama, on 
January 14, 1858. Their only child and son, Clarence, is known 
as an author, his articles being published in Youth's Com- 
panion, Little Men and Women of Boston, Argosy, Godey''s 
Magazine, The World, etc., and occasionally in Philadelphia 
and Chicago papers. He has been urged by New York critics 
to devote himself entirely to parlor comedies, and has been 
highly ID raised as a dramatic writer. He would seem " to in- 
herit literary gifts which have marked his illustrious line, in 
which the names of Rev. Dr. Thomas Carter and Count Rum- 
ford are conspicuous." 

Because of Mr. Converse's devotion to philology he has been 
engaged to assist Rev. Mr. Gregory, editor-in-chief of the 
" Standard Dictionary^' now preparing, in that line of musical 
definition with which he is especially familiar. 

A synopsis of a paper adopted and put upon record by 
the Presbytery of Erie. Taken from the Memoir by Rev. 
A. H. Caughey, Ph. D. : 

Samuel John Mills Eaton was born at Fairview, Erie County, 
Pa., April 15, 1820. His father, Rev. Johnston Eaton, was 



390 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

one of the pioneers, and his motlier, Eliza Cannon, was of the 
family that founded Cannonsburg, Pa., the seat of Jefferson 
College. He was educated partly at home and at Erie 
Academy, and entered the sophomore class at Jeflferson Col- 
lege in 1842, graduating in 1845, being esteemed the finest 
essayist of his class. He spent three years at the Westeiyi 
Theological Seminary, and was licensed by the Presbytery of 
Erie in 1848. The same year he was ordained and called to 
succeed Rev. Cyrus Dickson at the churches of Franklin and 
Mt. Pleasant. November 5, 1850, he was married to Miss 
Clara J. Howe, who still survives, and in 1855 he devoted his 
whole time to the church of Franklin, which was his 
only pastorate, continuing there thirty-four years, until Feb- 
ruary, 1882. When he commenced his work there the church 
had 74 members ; when he resigned the last name on the roll 
was numbered 772. During the revival of 1867, 111 persons 
were added to the church on examination. In 1869 Washing- 
ton and Jefferson College gave him the title of Doctor of 
Divinity. In 1871 he visited Europe and the East, devoting 
himself particularly to the study of the Holy Land, and after- 
wards published the result of his observations under the titles 
of " Jerusalem " and " Palestine." He became stated clerk of 
the Presbytery of Erie in 1853, and held the position through 
life, and for many years held the same position in the old 
Synod of Erie. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of 
Washington and Jefferson College, and of the Western 
Theological Seminary. Was appointed chairman of a com- 
mittee to investigate the workings of the Presbyterian Board 
of Publication, and made a valuable report to the Assembly 
in 1886. Dr. Eaton was identified with Chautauqua from 
its commencement, and at his death held the largest num- 
ber of seals for courses of study mastered of any Chautau- 
quan. He lectured there on "Palestine and Jerusalem," and 
was also a popular and valuable author. His works were 
"History of Petroleum," "History of the Presbytery of 
Erie," "Lakeside," "Ecclesiastical History of Centennial Mis- 
sionary Work," " Memorial of Dr. Cyrus Dickson," " Chapters 
in the History of Venango County, Pennsylvania," "Bio- 
graphical Catalogues," etc. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 391 

Dr. Eaton died suddeuly at his home iu Franklin July 16, 
1889. It would be difficult to overestimate the character 
and work of Dr. Eaton. He was preeminently a manly man 
and a noble Christian. 

Z)r. Thomas Hastings Robinson, professor of Sacred Rhet- 
oric, Church Government, and Pastoral Theology, in the 
Western Theological Seminary, at Allegheny, was born Jan- 
uary 30, 1828, in Northeast township, Erie County. He 
graduated at Oberlin College, Ohio, in 1850 ; taught iu j)ublic 
and select schools — was principal of the Academy at Ashta- 
bula, Ohio, and was for six mouths principal of the Normal 
School at Farmington. He entered the Western Theological 
Seminary in 1851 and graduated in 1854, receiving a call soon 
after as colleague pastor of the Market Square Presbyterian 
church at Harrisburg, Pa., Dr. William R. De Witt, pastor, 
and was ordained and installed January 21, 1855, by the 
Presbytery of Harrisburg. After Rev. Dr. De Witt's with- 
drawal in 1864, and his decease in 1867, Dr. Robinson con- 
tinued in sole charge of the church, a pastorate of thirty 
years, until his resignation to accept of the professorship 
at Allegheny. 

Rev. Dr. Robinson in 1856 married Mary Wolf Buehler, 
daughter of Henry Buehler and Anna Margaretta, only 
daughter of Governor Wolf of Pennsylvania. We find also in 
"Pennsylvania Genealogies" Scotch-Irish and German, that 
Thomas Robinson, the father of Rev. Dr. Robinson, married 
Mary McCord, whose father, William McCord, removed to 
Erie County in the early days, and died there in 1806. The 
Blaines and Mooreheads were from central Pennsylvania, set- 
tling east of Erie, and their descendants formed a large com- 
munity of thrifty and intelligent farmers, organizing two 
Presbyterian churches. Annie-Robinson Tuttle married, in 
Northeast in 1885, William H. JefFers, D.D., LL.D., professor 
of Old Testament Literature, Ecclesiastical History, etc., in 
the Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny, Pa. JohnF., 
David, William, several of the brothers went to Pittsburg 
about 1850 and formed the banking firm of Robinson Brothers, 
now for many years well known, honored, and successful. 

Albion Winegar Tourgee^ Ph.D., LL.D., American author 



392 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

and jurist, was born at Williamsfield, Ohio, May 2, 1S38. He 
studied at Rochester University, 1859-61, then entered the 
'Union Army as private in the Twenty-seventh N. Y. V. I. ; 
was severely wounded at battle of Bull Run, in consequence 
of which he was discharged from the service ; in 1862 was 
commissoned Lieutenant of Co. G., One Hundred and Fifth 
O. V. I. ; resigned in 1864 on account of wounds ; on editorial 
staff of the Srie Disj^atch, and principal of Erie Academy, 
1861-5. Removed to Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1865 ; was 
a member of the North Carolina Constitutional Conventions 
of 1868 and 1875 ; was one of the commission to codify and 
revise the State laws. Was elected Judge of the Superior 
Court of the State in 1868, and held that position until 1874. 
Was editor of The Continent Magazine, New York, 1882-4. 
Has been a professor of the Buffalo Law School since 1889. Is 
the author of several professional works, — "The Code with 
Notes" (North Carohna) 1878; "A Digest of Cited Cases" 
(North Carolina) 1879 ; " Statutory Decisions of the North Car- 
olina Reports," 1879. Is the author of the following novels: 
" Toinette " (now entitled " A Royal Gentleman ") 1874 ; " A 
Fool's Errand," 1879; "Figs and Thistles," 1879; "Bricks 
without Straw," 1880 ; " John Eax," 1882 ; " Hot Plowshares," 
1883 ; "Black Ice," 1885 ; " Button's Inn," 1887 ; " With Gauge 
and Swallow," 1889; " Pactolus Prime," 1890; "Murvale 
Eastman," 1891; "A Son of Old Harry," 1892; "Out of the 
Sunset Sea," 1893. Author also of the following miscellaneous 
books : " An Appeal to Ciesar," 1884 ; " The Veteran and His 
Pipe," 1885; "Letters to a King," 1887. Since 1880, his resi- 
dence has been at Mayville, on Lake Chautauqua, Chautau- 
qua County, N. Y. 

The Rt. Rev. John Franklin Spalding^ D.D.^ the second 
Missionary Bishop of Colorado and first Bishop of the 
diocese of Colorado, was born in Belgrade, Maine, August 
25, 1828. He graduated from Bowdoin, 1853 ; the Gen- 
eral Theological Seminary, 1857. He was ordered deacon 
at St. Stephen's, Portland, Maine, July 8, 1857, by Bishop 
Burgess, by whom, also, he was advanced to the priest- 
hood July 14, 1858, in Christ church, Gardiner, Maine. He 
was missionary at St. James' church. Old Town, Maine, for 




^fA^ H-' ^. ff^^^LMiJ^^/c^^r^, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 393 

two years, afterwards successively rector of St. George's 
church, Lee, Mass., assistant minister Grace church, Provi- 
dence, R. I., and rector of St. Paul's church, Erie, Pa., until 
his elevation to the Episcopate. He was consecrated in that 
church, December 31, 1873, by Bishop McCoskry, assisted by 
Bishops Bedell, Talbot, Coxe and Kerfoot. Upon the erection 
of the jurisdiction into a diocese he became its diocesan. 
His bishopric included Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mex- 
ico. In 1874 he seconded the letting off of New Mexico, in 
1886 of Wyoming, in 1892 of Western Colorado. In 1880 the 
Cathedral in Denver was built — in 1886 Mathews Hall — in 1888 
Jarvis Hall and Wolf Hall. These are the Divinity School, 
the schools for boys and for gh'ls. The two former were at 
first located in Golden, but in 1878 were destroyed by fire. St. 
Luke's Hospital was founded in 1881 and its present fine build- 
ings were erected in 1891. The growth of his work has fairly 
kept pace with that of the country. The diocese of Colorado 
was formed in 1887 and admitted into union with the General 
Convention in 1889 and is one of the leading dioceses of the 
West. Bishop Spalding has published various works, the prin- 
cipal ones are: "The Church and its Apostolic Ministry," 
"The Best Mode of Working a Parish" and "Jesus Christ 
the proof of Christianity." 

In 1864 he was married in Erie to Lavina D., daughter of J. 
C. Spencer, Esq. Mrs. Spaulding's services for the church, 
in the Bible class and mother's ineetings are well known, and 
b^- reason of her persevering efforts she will ever be indentified 
with St. Luke's Hospital in Denver. — Partly from The Church 
&tanda?'d, June 10, 1893. 

John H. W. Stuckenbei'g , D.D., member of the Philosoph- 
ical Society of Berlin, etc., was Iwrn in Bramsche, Germany, 
January 6, 1835 ; came to the United States at the age of four ; 
graduated in the classical and theological departments of 
Wittenberg College, and studied in the University of Halle, 
Germany, from the autumn of 1859 till the spring of 1861, de- 
voting his attention chiefly to theology and philosophy. Re- 
turning to the United States, he became the first pastor of the 
English Lutheran church of Erie in 1861. When the One 
Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volun- 



394 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

teers was formed he was appointed chaplain, joining tlie regi- 
ment in September, 1862, on the battlefield of Antietam, where 
some days were spent in the burial of the dead. He was with 
the regiment in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chaneellors- 
ville and Gettysburg. The church in Erie being in urgent 
need of his services, he resigned his position as chaplain after 
being thirteen months in the army. At that time but few of 
the original members of the brave regiment were at the front, 
having suffered terribly in the battles mentioned, particularly 
during the heroic charges at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. 
After returning to Erie in the autumn of 1863 he took an 
active interest in the religious and public aflairs of Erie. He 
resigned his pastorate in 1865 and returned to Germany to 
study in the universities of Gottingen, Berlin, and Tubingen, 
remaining abroad eighteen months. After supplying a pulpit 
in Indianapolis he organized the Messiah Lutheran church in 
Pittsburg, and was called to Wittenberg College in 1873 as 
professor of sacred philology. Being anxious to devote him- 
self more fully to a specialty than was possible in this position, 
he resigned in 1880 and returned to Berlin for the purpose 
of using the royal library. Soon after his arrrival the man- 
agement of the American Chapel was committed to him, 
and in 1887 he organized the American Church of Berlin, of 
which he is still pastor. This church is a union of different 
denominations, and is attended largely by American students 
in Berlin. Besides his work in behalf of this church he has 
kept up his studies and has been engaged in literary pursuits. 
Among the works published by him are the following : 
"History of the Augsburg Confession," "Christian Sociol- 
ogy," " Life of Immanuel Kant," "The Final Science," "In- 
troduction to the Study of Philosophy," "The Age and the 
Church." In German he wrote : " Grundprobleme in Hume." 
For a number of years he conducted the European department 
of the HomiletiG Review. He has also been an extensive con- 
tributor to the Andover JRevietv, Our Day, and numerous other 
journals in America and England. He has retained his deep 
interest in Erie, and numbers many of its citizens as his warm 
friends. In his various labors he has been efficiently aided by 
his cultivated wife, a daughter of Henry Gingrich, of Erie. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 395 

Artemas Martin, M.A., Ph.D., LL.D., the subject of this 
sketch, was born August 3, 1835, in Steuben County, New 
Yorl^. He is the only sou of James Madison Martin and 
Oreuda Knight (Bradley) Martin. 

In 1837 his parents removed to Pennsylvania, and for many 
years resided near Franklin, Venango County. 

He had no schooling in his early boyhood except a little pri- 
mary instruction while very young, and from that time until 
in his fourteenth year he was never in a schoolroom as a pupil, 
but had learned reading, writing, and geography at home, but 
knew nothing of arithmetic. In his fifteenth year he com- 
menced the study of arithmetic in Dr. Daniel Adams' 
Scholar's Arithmetic, but did not master the four rules of 
addition, subti'action, multiplication, and division the first 
winter. He attended district schools three winters, com- 
mencing the study of algebra the last winter. When seven- 
teen years of age he attended a select school in Franklin for 
six months, studying algebra, geometry, natural philosophy, 
and chemistry, walking two and* one half miles night and 
morning. Three years afterwards he attended the Franklin 
Academy about two months and a half, studying algebra and 
trigonometry. This, at the age of twentj^, finished his 
schooling. He taught district schools four winters in Ve- 
nango County. In summer he usually worked at farming, 
and studied mathematics during his spare moments — evenings 
and rainy days. He also worked in the oil regions at drilling 
oil wells — mostly in the winter. 

Early in 1869 Mr. Martin removed with his parents to Erie 
County, Pennsylvania, aud resided near Erie and in that city 
until he went to Washington, D. C, in October, 1885. 

He began his mathematical career when in his eighteenth 
year by contributing solutions of problems to the Pittsburg 
Almanac, and soon afterward contributed problems to the 
"Riddler Column" of the Philadelphia Saturday Evening 
Post, and was one of its principal contributors for about 
twenty years. In the summer of 1864 he commenced con- 
tributing problems and solutions to Clark's School Visitor, 
afterwards Our Schoolday Visitor, published in Philadelphia. 
In June, 1870, he took charge of the " Stairway Department " 



396 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

as editor, the mathematical part of \yhich he had iu fact con- 
ducted for some years before. He continued in charge as 
mathematical editor till the magazine was sold to Scribner & 
Co. in the spring of 1875 and merged into St. Nicholas. 

In September, 1875, INIr. Martin was chosen editor of a de- 
partment of higher mathematics in the Normal Monthlij^ 
published at Millersville, Pennsylvania, by Prof. Edward 
Brooks, and held the position until the Monthly was discon- 
tinued in August, 1876. He published in the Normal Monthly 
a series of sixteen articles on the Diophantine Analysis, the 
most extensive that had been published in this country. 

In the spring of 1877 he issued the first number of his 
Mathematical Visitor, which he still publishes at irregular 
Intervals. In January, 1882, he issued the first number of his 
Mathematical Magazine, which he continues to publish. 

Although he had never served an hour as apprentice in a 
printing office to learn the " art preservative," he has done all 
the type-setting for his publications except for the first three 
numbers of the Visitor and part of the last page of Vol. I., 
No. 2, of the Magazine, and has printed several numbers of the 
Visitor and one of the Magazine on a self-inking lever jiress, 
only 6t by 10 inches inside of chase. The numbers he has 
printed are considered by competent judges to rank among 
the finest specimens of mathematical printing ever executed. 

In June, 1881, he was elected professor of mathematics in 
the Normal School at Warrensburg, Missouri, but did not 
accept the position. 

His ability and achievements in the science of mathematics 
have been recognized by three colleges which have conferred 
on him honorary degrees ; Yale College giving him the degree 
of M.A. in 1877 ; Rutgers College, Ph.D., in 1882 ; and Hills- 
dale College, LL.D., in 1885. 

In 1878 he was chosen a member of the London Mathemati- 
cal Society ; in 1884, member of the Soci^te Mathematique de 
France ; in 1885, member of the Edinburgh Mathematical So- 
ciety ; in 1886, member of the Philosophical Society of Wash- 
ington ; in 1889, member, and in 1890, fellow of the American 
Association for the Advancement of Science; and in 1891, 
member of the New York Mathematical Society. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 397 

In November, 1885, through the influence of Hon. William 
L. Scott, Dr. Martin was appointed to a position in the office 
of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, and has 
since resided in Washington, D. C. 

Dr. Martin has contributed mathematical problems, solu- 
tions, and papers, to the Analyst, iniblished at Des Moines, 
Iowa ; to the Annals of Mathematics (successor to the 
Analyist) ; to the Illinois Teacher (1865-1867) ; to the Iowa In- 
structor (1865-1867) ; to the National Educator; to the Yates 
County Chronicle ; to Barnes' Educational Monthly ; to Edu- 
cational Notes and Queries ; to the Wittenberger (1876-1880) ; 
to the Maine Farmers' Almanac; and to the Mathematical 
Monthly, published over thirtj' years ago. He contributed to 
the Wittenberger (1877-1879) a Sj^ries of thirteen articles on 
"Average," believed to be the first articles on that subject 
published in this country. 

Dr. Martin has also contributed to the following English 
mathematical periodicals : The Lady's and Gentleman's Diary 
(1868-1871); the Messenger of Mathematics; the Educational 
Times and its Bejirints (1868-) ; and the Quarterly Journal of 
Pure and Applied Mathematics. The Reprint contains a 
large number of his solutions of difficult "average" and 
■ " probability " problems. 

Outside of the time devoted to editing and printing his 
magazines, Dr. Martin devoted himself for some years to culti- 
vating vegetables and conducting a market-garden near Erie, 
Pa., and was a regular attendant at the Erie market. He 
was careful to plant only the best varieties, and prized his 
skill and reputation as a gardener as highly as he did his fame 
as a mathematician. 

Dr. Martin is not a graduate of any institution of learning, 
and is almost wholly self-taught. He has a large and valuable 
mathematical library containing rare and interesting works. 
His collection of American arithmetics and algebras is one of 
the largest private collections in the country. 

He has also a large miscellaneous library, including many 
early and scarce school books, among which is a large collec- 
tion of English grammars. 

Rev. O. W. Chamberlain, D.D., was born in Waterford, Pa., 



398 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

in 1839. He was educated at Delaware College, and afterwards 
at Princeton, but was obliged to give up study on account of a 
difficulty with his eyes. He went to Brazil in 1862, not intend- 
ing to enter missionary work, but the condition of the ignorant 
people so appealed to him, he has remained, and was licensed 
by the Presbytery of Rio. He is a missionary of the Presby- 
terian Board, and has organized many schools and churches 
at Sao Paulo, Bahia and Rio Janeiro, and has been remarkably 
successful in his field of labor. He is also an able and interest- 
ing contributor to our missionary magazines. A sister also 
went with him in 1876, purposing to teach; but her health 
failed after two or three years and she returned. His oldest 
daughter has lately joined the mission under appointment of 
the Board. The Rev. Pierce Chamberlain, long pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church of Waterford, was his father. 

The author of "One Little Injun," 3Iiss Margaret Emrnu 
Ditto ^ of Wellesley, Massachusetts, was born in Nunda, 
Livingston County, N. Y., about the time the Genesee Valley 
Canal had its inception. Her father had the contract for 
building that canal, and moved his family from New York 
City into the then far west of the State, where they resided 
some years. In 1861 Miss Ditto graduated at Mt. Holyoke 
Seminary (now college), and came to teach in Erie Academy 
about 1866, where she remained nine years. In her own 
words, "Hundreds of Erie boys and girls passed through 
my hands, and I hope are none the worse for it. I remember 
them all." We can say we do not doubt but they all remem- 
ber her with the greatest affection. Since that time her chief 
interest has been in writing for the press, and she is best 
known as a writer of short stories for boys. These have ap- 
peared in the Youtli's Companion, The Independent, and The 
Congregationalist. At one time she wrote quite regularly for 
Harper^s Young People, and some for the Bazaar and the 
Weekly. She says : " I have also done some humerous writ- 
ing, besides my Indian tracts and Bible studies. I prefer the 
Bible studies, and I feel that to make known the facts and 
principles of the Bible is the only permanent use to which 
literary talent can be put. Life seems a very deep reality to 
me, and those things which do not make for eternal life do 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 399 

not seem to me worth living for. I have studied the Bible 
a good deal, and I find that it is a scheme of truth in which if 
we abide the world and all its doings become belittled almost 
to extinction. I have a deep conviction that the end of the 
age is near at hand when our Lord will return in glory to 
reign, and this truth drives out others, and I cannot write on 
common themes with zest." Of her humerous writings she 
says: "They were like foam on the water — a sparkle and 
gone. They were in the papers under a good many different 
signatures ; as during some years I wrote not under my own 
name. But Harper used to advertise or notice them as hum- 
erous, and I believe had the idea to bring me out in that line. 
But I hardly think I shall write any more such.". 

Mr. WiUiam C. Kelso, deceased in April, 1892. As a life- 
long resident of Erie, the senior member of the bar and the 
oldest communicant of St. Paul's Episcopal church, his form 
was well known and his name a household word. As the 
youngest and sole surviving member of the historic family 
of Gen. Kelso, whose coming to Erie County was almost 
identical with its settlement, there was an added interest, 
especially as his own life had almost bridged the century and 
his career had been cotenij)orary with three generations. He 
was the youngest of seven children of Gen. John and Sarah 
(Carson) Kelso, and born in Erie about seventy-nine years ago. 
Gen. Kelso came with his family from Cumberland County in 
1798, and to the town of Erie in 1806. He made his home in 
the square west of State and north of Second Street, where 
his house and grounds were long a cousjiicuous landmark, 
especially as they were adorned by choice vines and shrubs for 
the first time introduced by them when the family came to 
Erie. Gen. Kelso was a large landowner and conspicuous, 
patriotic citizen. He was Associate Judge, Prothonotary, 
Recorder, and Commissioner of Sales. In the War of 1812 he 
was brigadier general in active command in charge of the 
place in repelling invasion and guarding the frontier, espe- 
cially during the construction of Perry's fleet. He died in 
1819, and his widow in 1842. On the 10th of May, 1839, 
W. C. Kelso was admitted to the bar, after studying with his 
brother-in-law, Mr. Babbitt. Subsequently he formed a part- 



400 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

uership with that renowned lawyer, by which firm a large 
practice was successfully conducted. In 1862 he Avas ap- 
pointed an assistant United States Assessor of the nineteenth 
collection district of Pennsylvania, and rendered efficient 
and conscientious service in that important office. After 
the close of his official duties he never resumed active practice 
to much extent. He was for probably half a century assidu- 
ous and untiring in the discharge of his church duties. These 
were his life work. As warden, vestryman, and secretary 
of St. Paul's Episcopal church he was conspicuous. The 
two latter positions he occupied till his death. Not only 
was he the oldest member of the church, but as regular in 
attendance on Sunday and at the week-day services as the 
rector himself. 

Ernest Ingersoll, the naturalist and author, is the son of 
Dr. Timothy Dwight Ingersoll, of Erie, but was born at 
Monroe, Mich., March 18, 1852. His taste for natural history 
was apparent when a lad, and caused him to pursue the study, 
in spite of obstacles. After a desultory course at Oberlin, 
he became by his own exertions a student in the Musueni 
of Comparative Zoology at Harvard, where he made a special 
study of birds, and supplemented this with a season's work at 
Prof. Agassiz's seaside school on Penikese Island. After 
Prof. Agassiz's death in 1874, Mr. Ingersoll was appointed to a 
position on the United States Geological Survey as naturalist 
and collector, exploring the remotest parts of the southern 
Rocky Mountains. This appointment was received through 
the influence of his friend, Prof. S. T. Baird, secretary of the 
Smithsonian Institute. His work in popular science is, per- 
haps, best known through his collected essays, "Friends Worth 
Knowing," and "Country Cousins," and the two volumes, 
" Old Ocean," and "Birds Nesting." "The Ice Queen " and 
" Silver Caves " are bright examples of success in the difficult 
role of story telling for young people. He has written also a 
number of excellent guidebooks ; one on the Canadian West 
is worthy of a more dignified classification, as it embodies 
large study and experience which he acquired while in charge 
of the advertising business of the Canadian Pacific Railway 
in 1887 and 1888. He has delivered many lectures, been for 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 401 

many years correspondent of the London Fields and has done 
a large amount of unsigned work. Mr. Ingersoll lives in New 
York City, and is at present one of the editors of the " Stan- 
dard Dictionary,-' attending to the department of Zoology, 
and having charge of the illustration of that great work. He 
is assisted by his daughter Helen, who excels as a botanist 
and an artist. 

Dr. Timothy Dwight Ingersoll was born in Lee, Mass., July 
4, 1817, but removed with his parents to northern Ohio. His 
father, Theo. Ingersoll, was a leading citizen and abolition" 
ist, and one of the founders of Oberlin College. His mother, 
Lj'^dia B. Ingersoll, died at her home in Berea, O., July 25, 
1893, at the advanced age of one hundred years and nine 
months. Dr. Ingersoll is a direct descendant (being in the 
fifth generation) of the celebrated divine and metaphysician, 
Dr. Johathan Edwards, who was born in Windsor County, 
Connecticut, in 1703. He entered the dental profession in 1850, 
married Miss Eliza Parkinson, and returned to Erie in 1876. 
Dr. and Mrs. Ingersoll, Prof. G. F. Guttenberg, and ^Ir. J. 
Miller founded the Erie "Natural History Society," which has 
been a nucleus of thought and inspiration here for several 
years. Dr. T. D. Ingersoll's essays and frequent newspaper 
articles on scientific subjects and descriptions of scenery in our 
locality, some of which are found in this work, have awakened 
much interest. His skill as a dehtist has not only been recog- 
nized at home, but has a wider reputation through his articles 
in the dental journals. 

The Eev. William M. Blackburn, D.D., author of several in- 
teresting works, now President of Pierre College, Dakota, was 
the first settled pastor of Park church. 

Rev. Kemper Fullerton has been appointed provisional in- 
structor in Hebrew and Greek in Lane Theological Seminary 
at Cincinnati, O., and becomes the successor of Prof. Henry 
Preserved Smith, D.D. He is the second Erie boy to attain such 
a position among the instructors of the Presbyterian church, 
Rev. Augustus S. Carrier having for two or three years filled 
the like professorship of Hebrew in McCormick Theological 
Seminary at Chicago, after a like high grade of scholarship at 
Union Seminary, and a like post-graduate period of study 



402 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

in Europe. Erie may justly be proud of two wlio have at- 
tained such honorable positions. Both are sons of former well 
beloved Erie pastors, Rev. A. H. Carrier, D.D., having been 
pastor of the First Presbyterian church, and Rev. Thomas 
Fullerton, D.D., of the Park church. 

" Erie, Pa , May 11, 1893. 

"To the Editor of the Dispatch. 

"I find in the May number of the Literary Northivest, pub- 
lished simultaneously at St. Paul, Minneapolis and New York, 
several poetic contributions from W. R. Perkins, son of R. L. 
Perkins of this city. They are entitled 'Song of the Lily,' 
'Song of the Rose,' and 'Song,' each beautiful in thought 
and tender and smooth in expression. Indeed, they evince 
true poetic feeling, serving to show on the part of Mr. Perkins 
rich gifts in this direction. 

"Mrs. Mary J. Reid gives in the same number of the Liter- 
ary Northwest a finely rendered criticism upon Mr. Perkins as 
a poet of true genius and growing reputation. ' Eleusis and 
Lesser Herns ' of Mr. Perkins, issued in the form of a modern 
volume, are critically and eulogistically reviewed, and the 
author awarded distinction, not as a magazine writer of verses 
to catch the multitudes with rhymes that touch simply upon 
passing events, but a poet who has for years studied his art 
with a high and lofty aim. 

"It may be added that William L. Perkins was born in 
Erie in 1847; was graduated in 1868 at Western Reserve Col- 
lege, Ohio, teaching thereafter in his alma mater, and devoting 
his spare hours to the study of law. In 1879 he M^as appointed 
assistant professor at Cornell University, N. Y., where he re- 
mained six years. At the expiration of that period he went 
to Europe, where he attended the Universities of Berlin and 
Bonn. Upon his return, he was called to the chair of history 
in the State University of Iowa, Iowa City, a position he still 
holds. In 1888 he was elected delegate of the Eighth Cente- 
nary of the University of Bologna, Italy, thus visiting Europe 
a second time." 

" The several narratives of the resurrection of Christ as con- 
fined to the day on which he rose from the dead, in which 
some have supposed discrepancies to exist, and used them to 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 403 

discredit the truthfulness of the testimony, and to bring in 
question the inerrant inspiration of the gospels, have been 
clearly harmonized by a little work, the mechanical execution 
of which is equal to the beauty of the literary style, Avritten 
by Rufus Lord Perkins, an elder in the Park church at Erie, 
Pa. The closing pages of this book contain some forcible 
thoughts specially adapted to the present, when the plenary in- 
spiration of the Scripture is denied by some within the pale of 
the Christian church, and the authority of the Bible is put on 
a level with fallible reason and a fallible church, leaving no 
solid footing for a soul that turns an anxious gaze toward the 
solemn future." — New York Correspondence. 

Samuel Gustine Thompson, appointed by Gov. Pattison 
to fill the vacancy on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court bench 
caused by the resignation of Chief Justice Paxson, has been a 
prominent member of the Philadelphia bar for thirty years, 
being a superior corporative lawyer. He was born in Frank- 
lin, in 1837, liis father being judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas in Venango County. Judge James Thompson was 
elected to the Supreme bench in 1858 where he officiated for 
fifteen years, the last six as Chief Justice. The family re- 
moved to Philadelphia upon the election of the father to the 
Supreme Court, and there the son, who had graduated at the 
Erie Academy, and made himself proficient in several modern 
languages, took a partial course at the University of Pennsyl- 
vania, studied law and was admitted to practice in 1861. He 
is a director of the Philadelphia & Erie Railway Company. 
Judge James Thompson died suddenly in 1874, while making 
an ai'gument before the Supreme Court. — Condensed from 
American Press Association. 

A Dispatch reporter was told recently by a resident of Erie 
that in the summer of 1845 he met Rev. Nathaniel and 
Mrs. Snowden, grandpai'ents of Col. J. Ross Thomi^son. Mr. 
Snowden then stated that he heard the old bell ring on 
the 4th of July, 1776, as independence was proclaimed from 
Independence Hall, Philadelphia. At the same interview he 
learned that Mrs. Snowden was among those who escaped — 
as a child in her mother's arms — at the Wyoming massacre a 
little later. 



404 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Mi\ and Mrs. Snowden were then visiting the family of 
their daugliter, Mrs. Judge Thompson, at the corner of Ninth 
and State streets. Tlie aged minister and the genial old lady 
were clear in their recollection and positive and entertaining 
in their statements of the thrilling events each had witnessed. 
Their memories bridged a longer period than the nation's life. 
Each survived for some years and witnessed not only the mar- 
velous advance of the State but the leading positions taken by 
various members of their family in both judicial and legisla- 
tive, in the federal and State service. Judge Samuel G. 
Thompson, of the Supreme Court, and A. Loudon Snowden, 
minister to Greece, are also grandsons of the same persons. 
Judge Thompson was Chief Justice of Pennsylvania and J. 
Ross Snowden Treasurer and Director of the United States 
mint. 

Erie has been visited by nine Presidents of the United States, 
viz : William H. Harrison in 1813, as General of the Western 
Army, in company with Com. Perry, immediately after the 
battle of Lake Erie ; James Buchanan in 1840, to speak at a 
political convention ; Ex-President John Q. Adams being on a 
steamer, tarried from 7 o'clock to 9, and was welcomed by 
Hon. T. H. Sill in the name of the citizens ; President Zach- 
ary Taylor making a journey for recreation on the lakes, be- 
came too ill to proceed farther, and remained ten days at the 
residence of Dr. W. M. Wood, of the U. S. Navy ; Vice-Presi- 
dent Fillmore, whose home was in Bufflilo, came up to meet 
him and remained for a day ; Gov. Johnson, of Pennsylvania, 
Surgeon Ward, and Col. Bliss of the army accompanied him 
in his travels, which he was obliged to abandon and return 
to Washington, where he died in less than a year. Stephen 
A. Douglass visited Erie when he was a candidate and made a 
speech in the West Park. President Lincoln passed through 
Erie on his way to Washington and made a few remarks from 
the balcony of the depot just before his inauguration. His 
remains passed over the Lake Shore road in 1865. Erie was 
favored by a speech from President Johnson, who was ac- 
companied by Gen. Grant and W. H. Seward ; the latter also 
spoke. Horace Greeley during the campaign of 1872 made a 
lengthy address to his former townsmen from a window of the 




/^^^^/^^^ <^5C "^^-z^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 405 

depot. Gen. Garfield made frequent visits to Erie, and during 
the canvass of 1878 made an address at the courthouse, and in 
1880 was a few minutes at the depot, and Benjamin Harrison 
accompanied him. Father Mathew, the apostle of temperance 
discoursed in tlae Pro-Catliedral of St. Patricli's on East 
Fourth Street. 

Hon. William L. Scott was born in Virginia, July 2, 1828, 
being the son of Maj. R. L. Scott, U. S. A. In 1848 he came 
to Erie through the influence of Gen. C. M. Reed, and after- 
wards was in partnership with Messrs. M. B. Lowry and John 
Hearn in the coal and shipping trade. He contracted to build 
the Pittsburg & Erie Railroad, was the principal owner 
and the president during his life. He also built the coal docks 
and established the coal depot at the mouth of Cascade Run. 
During the war Mr. Scott gave liberally to the Union cause, 
and aided in the enlistment of troops, and was widely known 
as a Avealthy and energetic citizen. He made also liberal dona- 
tions to orphan asylums and churches. In 1866 and 1871 he was 
elected Mayor, and in 1866 and 1876 was member of Congress. 
In 1876 and 1880 he was a delegate to the National Democratic 
Conventions. Mr. Scott married Mary Matilda, daughter of J. 
A. Tracy, Esq., and granddaughter of Capt. Daniel Dobbins. 
He died at Newport, September 19, 1891. Prominent as a 
politician and a citizen of great wealth, his funeral obsequies 
were fitting and more notable than those of any that had pre- 
ceded him. We copy from the newspapers of the day in 
another part of this work. Rev. James Scott, of the Church of 
England (but being of Scotch descent), was his great-grand- 
father who graduated at Aberdeen University, was ordained 
and licensed to preach in Virginia by the Lord Bishop of Lon- 
don in 1735. His grandfather, Gustavus Scott, was educated at 
Kings College, Aberdeen, and studied law in London, at No. 
4 Essex Court, Temple Bar, having entered in 1767 and com- 
pleted his studies in 1771. Returning to America he settled in 
Maryland residing in Annapolis and Baltimore. He Avas a 
member of the Continental Congress and held many offices of 
distinction in Maryland. In 1794 he went to Washington as 
president of the commissioners for laying out the city of 
Washington. He built and occupied the fine residence 



406 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

"Kalorama," and died there. The father of Hon. W. L. 
Scott was also born there. This elegant residence in Presi- 
dent Madison's day is now within the city limits and being 
rajiidly built up. 

Hon. J. H. Forster, of Houghton, Michigan, having been 
called to Erie by the death of his sister, recalled some matters 
of interest concerning his grandfathers, Col. Thomas Forster, 
and Associate Judge William Bell. Mr. Forster is a cousin of 
W. B. and J. W. Hayes and William E. Bell, of this city. 
His father, Thomas Forster, resided on the northeast corner of 
State and Fourth streets; his grandfather. Col. Thomas For- 
ster, at southeast corner of French and Fifth ; his grandfather. 
Judge Bell, corner of French and Sixth. Col. Forster was 
appointed collector of the port by President Adams, and held 
the office thirty-six years, until his death. His grandfather 
Bell was a judge of the Erie courts. Leaving Erie when 
a boy, Mr. Forster has been much in the public service. He 
assisted in running the boundary line between the United 
States and Mexico under the treaty of peace of 1848 — the 
famous Guadalupe-Hidalgo. He himself fixed the initial 
point for placing the monument at the north of the Gila on 
the Pacific Coast, under Commissioner Weller. His uncles. 
Gen. Sumner and Gen. Wright, of the army, are well known. 
The latter and his wife were drowned en route to California. 

Many prominent Erie citizens have passed away since 1861, 
of which our limited space will allow mention only. Of these 
are C. M. Reed, Milton Courtright, J. H. Walker, M. B. 
Lowry, J. C. Spencer, G. A. Elliott, Drs. Stewart and Wallace, 
M. Sanford, E. Babbitt, A. Scott, P. Metcalf, J. A. Tracy, Rev. 
Dr. Lyon, B. B. Vincent, Messrs. Tibbals, Grant, Hearn, 
Follansbee, Gunnison, Cleveland, Selden, Wallace, Mans, 
Faulkner, Ryan, Neil, and many otliers. 



SECTIOIs^ V. 

'Churches — Revivals — Missionary Annual Meeting — Public Schools 
— Academy — Villa Maria — Lake Shore Seminary — St. Benedict 
— Clark's Business College — W. C. T. XT. — Y. M. G. A. — Hamot and 
St. Vincent Hospitals — Home of the Friendless — Three New Char- 
ities — Bequests of John Weis and R. Wilcox — Sisters of St. Joseph. 

The Central Presbyterian church was organized February 23, 
1871. David Shirk and J. A. French were chosen elders by a 
membership of fifty-four persons. Rev. C. C. Kimball was 
the first pastor. Rev. Solon Cobb, the present incumbent, 
was ordained December 27, 1878, Mr. Kimball having accepted 
a call to Kansas City, Mo. The church has been unusually 
prosperous and fruitful. During the first twelve years of its 
existence its expenses and charities amounted to about §95,000. 
INIr. C. C. Shirk has been the superintendent of the Sunday 
school since its commencement. It has 565 names enrolled. 
The church built in 1872 was destroyed by fire, but it was 
replaced in 1890 by a beautiful and commodious structure. 

Tlie Chestnut Street Presbyterian church originated in 
1870 from a Sunday school held in the dwelling of Mr. C. W. 
Brown, through tlie efforts of three lay members of the First 
and Park Presbj'teriau churches. It was under the Y. M. C. 
A. until December 1, when Park church liad full cliarge'. In 
order to put in some practical and useful form their quota of 
the $5,000,000 memorial fund which the Presbyterian church 
in the United States had resolved to raise as a thank offering 
to God for the cordial reunion of its dissevered branches, 
tliis new church, tlien Sunday school, was erected and dedi- 
cated August 2, 1871. Rev. J. R. Wilson was the first pastor, 
tlie church having been organized January 1873. In 1879 he 
resigned to accept of the chair of Greek Professor in Parsons 
College, Iowa. Revs. A. C. Wilson, J. D. Kerr, W. J. Haslett 
and Rev. R. S. VanCleve have succeeded as pastors. In 1890 
a beautiful new brick church and chapel were erected. 

The United Presbyterian church erected a handsome parson- 

407 



408 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

age about 1875. Revs. Robert Reid, Joseph Pressley, and Rev, 
Dr. J. C. Wilson, for more than eighty years were the only 
ordained pastors. The First Presbyterian church, in 1891 
added to its fine property the Selden Memorial chapel, being 
largely a donation from Mr. CTeorge Selden. 

About 1878 Park Presbyterian church built a commodious 
and beautiful chapel. In 1892 the church was repaired and 
reseated. This church also organized a Sunday school, and 
erected a suitable building in East Eighteenth Street, in 
1887, in which church services are now being lield. 

The several Lutheran churches are St. John's German 
Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed church on Twenty- 
third and Peach streets. Rev. A. L. Benze, pastor, dates from 
1815. A new impulse was given about 1834, when Mr. Conrad 
Brown donated the whole square between Peach, Sassafras, 
Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth sti'eets, and the church was 
erected on tlie same site now occupied. The Oerman Evan- 
gelical church (Salem) was built in 1843 and rebuilt in 
1873. It it is on the corner of Peach and Twelfth streets. Rev. 
Ernest Koehne is pastor. The Luther Memorial church. 
Eleventh Street and Peach, the Rev. J. O. Baker, pastor, was 
organized in 1862, and has a mission on the corner of Twen- 
tieth and Poplar streets. The Oerman Evangelical Lutheran 
Trinity church, on Eleventh Street near Chestnut, was or- 
ganized in 1881, and has a parsonage and day-school. Rev. 
C C. Morhart was for many j'^ears pastor, before his call to 
Washington City, where he now resides. The English Evan- 
gelical church is on Twenty-first Street and German, and there 
is an English Lutheran church on Nineteenth and Poplar 
streets. St. Paul's German Evangelical was organized in 1851 
and is on Peach Street, between Tenth and Eleventh. It has 
a parsonage ; Rev. Val. Kern is pastor. 

St. FauVs Protestant Episcopal church erected its rich stone 
structure in 1860. In 1868 St. John's Protestant Episcopal 
church was built in South Erie, and about 1870 Cross and 
Croivn and two other Protestant Episcoiial churches or mis- 
sions, Trinity and Grace. 

Tenth Street Methodist Ej^iscopal church was built in 1873 ; 
Wayne Street Methodist Episcopal in 1891, and Simjjson Met ho- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 409 

dist Episeox)al., in South Erie, iu 1893. Evangelical Mission is 
on Twenty-first and German streets. 

A Methodist Episcoi^al cliurch has lately been built on 
Brown Avenue, near Cascade Street. 

The African Methodist Episcopal church on Seventh Street, 
between Holland and German, suffered from the flood, but has 
been thoroughly repaired. 

Several Baptist churches have been erected within the last 
fifteen years. Rev. Cyrus Thoms, pastor of the First Baptist 
church was noted for his zeal and activity-. The North Star 
Mission on East Sixth Street, was commenced as a union 
work thirty yeai's ago. Wallace Chapel^ on West Eighteenth 
Street was so called from the land having been donated by 
Irvin M. Wallace, Esq., and a Bapttist church on Seventh and 
Cascade streets was organized about the same time. On Ash 
Lane and Twenty-third streets is also a Baptist church and 
Sunday school, and a German Baptist church on Seventeenth 
Street. The First Baptist commenced April 1831, with a 
meeting of ten persons. To-daj^, sixty years later, they have a 
fine church and chapel, with five missions, and have admitted 
as members twenty-five hundred persons. 

Christian Science service and Sunday school is held on the 
corner of Sixth and Holland streets ; also the Bethel on Front 
and French streets has preaching, and at 2:30 the Himrod 
Sunday school meets. 

The United Brethren have a church on the corner of Cherry 
and Tenth streets. 

A Swedish church (Protestant) was erected about 1886 on 
East Tenth Street. Rev. H. Hagstrom is pastor. 

A Christian church on the corner of Seventh and Chestnut 
streets was erected about 1889. 

The Church of Christ was organized in 1889, and meets in 
the Tabernacle on Peach Street, between Ninth and Tenth 
streets. Rev. B. Hayden pastor. 

Hebreiv — Anvchai Chesed Reform Congregation Synagogue 
on West Eighth Street, near Sassafras Street. Rabbi, Rev. 
Nathan Rosenan. Services every Friday evening at 7:30, and 
Saturday at 10 A. M. Sabbath school Sunday from 10 to 12 ; 
Wednesday from 3 to 6. 



410 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Many church improvements have been made in the county 
the last few years. St. PauVs Protestant Episcopal in Erie has 
added, through the liberality of Hon, C. M. Reed, a fine rec- 
tory ; the First Presbyterian church, largely by the gift of Mr. 
George Selden, a fine convenient chapel. Park Presbyterian 
church has been improved and remodelled, and has erected a 
mission chapel on Eighteenth Street. At Girard a beautiful 
new Presbyterian church has just been dedicated. 

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic (German) is on Twenty-fourth 
Street, near Peach ; St. John^s German Roman Catholic is on 
East Twenty-sixth ; St. Andreiv's Roman Catholic is on West 
Sixth and Raspberry. St. Peter's Cathedral, on Tenth and 
Sassafras, was commenced in 1874, and consecrated August 2, 
1893, with great ceremonies. This was also the fiftietli anni- 
versary of Bishop Mullen's ordination to the priesthood. It is 
220x130 feet, and its cost is estimated at $250,000. Cardinal 
Gibbons and Archbishop Ryan were present, and the largest 
religiovis procession ever seen in Erie promenaded the streets* 
with torches and fireworks during the evening. The churches 
and its appointments are scarcely equalled in Western Penn- 
sylvania. 

*S'^. Michael's Roman Catholic church, on Cherry and Seven- 
teenth streets ; St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic (Polish) Wallace 
and Thirteenth streets ; an Italian Roman Catholic church. 
Seventeenth and Walnut streets, with one on Twenty-sixth 
and the other on E. Avenue and Tenth streets, malie a total of 
eleven Roman Catholic churches in Erie recently built. Reg- 
ular services are held in five languages, owing largely to our 
foreign population in the shops and factories. 

Hoffman's Roman Catholic Church Directory for 1893 states 
that Erie diocese has as follows : Bishops, 1 ; clergy, secular 
57 ; regular, 17 ; total 74 ; churches, 105 ; stations, .35 ; chapels, 
11 ; secular students, 14 ; colleges, 1 ; academies, 5 ; parochial 
schools, 58 ; children attending parochial schools, 5,687 ; or- 
phan asylums, 1 ; orphans, 155 ; charitable institutions, 3 ; 
Catholic population, 60,000. 

During the pastorate of Rev. George F. Cain in Park church, 
which terminated in 1870, there was great religious interest, 
The Rev. E. P. Hammond, Maj. Whittle, and Mr. Rine, the 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 411 

latter about 1876, held series of meetings tliat were greatly 
blessed. For many days one of our largest churches was filled, 
and many business men during business hours held open 
Bibles and studied under Maj. Whittle. We find in The Pres- 
byterian, Philadelphia, the following concerning the revival 
work of Rev. Dr. Wilbur Chapman in Erie. 

"A blessed series of meetings, under the leadership of Rev. 
J. Wilbur Chapman, D.D., have just been concluded in Erie, 
Pa. Several churches were united in the movement. Dr. 
Chapman came to take charge of the work on the 21st of Nov. 
1892. He began his Avork with the Christians : Discouraging 
impressions had been abroad concerning the religious character 
of the Erie churches. Erie was pronounced a hard place to 
move. Early in the course of the meetings it became ap- 
parent that such judgment would not stand. The Christians 
showed interest and willingness to work. A very gratifying 
spirit of unity was manifest from the beginning to the end of 
the associated movement. 

" As a result, Christians are warmed and stimulated. There 
is now a more general interest in the cause of the Master. 
Where there was an appearance of being ashamed of the Mas- 
ter, there is little of that appearance now. 

"The Bible has become a book of greater interest. The 
Evangelist was blessed in making that Book of Books appear 
full of sweetness and preciousness. He called out the Chris- 
tians to witness for God's promises in that Book. It was 
glorifying to God to hear how many there were who could 
testifj'^ to the fact that promises had been tried and proved. 

"To many there is a greater reality in prayer. Christians 
have united in prayer, which was made specific, and prayers 
liave been answered, greatly to the strengthening of the faith 
of all in the presence of such evidence. 

" So great did the interest become that the largest building 
in the city could not hold all the men who turned out to hear 
the gospel preached. At one service there were about twenty- 
five hundred men — possibly more — all that could be packed in 
the Opera House, and then many were turned away. Men 
of all creeds and no creed were there — Jews and Romanists, 
believers and unbelievers. On Tuesday, December 4, the busi- 



412 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ness houses of the city closed at 3:30, and there was a crowded 
Opera House service at 4 P. M. No one building could ac- 
commodate the throngs of people that rushed for entrance. 

" There were many inquirers. Nearly a thousand inquirers' 
cards were signed. Many have become greatly interested who 
did not sign a card. It is to be regretted that the meetings did 
not continue somewhat longer, for the power was reaching out 
beyond the general extent of church influence, and, doubtless, 
would have reached out more and more. 

"The results of the woi'k have exceeded the most sanguine 
expectation. There are reasons, which are plain, for the great 
success. The perfect union and sweet Christian fellowship be- 
tween the churches could not but result in great good. 

" The Evangelist prov^ed himself a very wise man, full of 
power and the Holy Ghost, and just suited to the work in this 
field. He was free from sensationalism, and preached the 
gospel in love and earnest simplicity. He drew the ministers 
to him and builded on their support. 

" Dr. Chapman has not only gone away with the love of all 
the people, but with the approbation and esteem of all the 
ministers, without exception. He has left behind him a 
greater love for Christ, for Christ's ministers, for the Bible and 
the Church, and stronger faith in the word of promise, and in 
prayer. " Ex. Com." 

A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT. 
Morning Dispatch, Nov. 15, 1S92. 

" With the meetings of this day and evening the Evangel- 
list, Rev. Wilbur F. Chapman, closes his labors in Erie. If 
any one had predicted three weeks ago that prayer meetings 
at 8:30 o'clock in the morning would be held and be largely at- 
tended in all sections of this city ; that preaching in the morn- 
ing and afternoon would draw out audiences completely filling 
the largest Protestant churches ; that the Opera House would 
not hold the people who assembled at a given hour to hear the 
gospel story, and two overflow services had to be arranged ; 
that 200 business places in Erie would shut up their stores after 
3 P. M. on a week day so near the holidays, in order that a 
religious service might have uninterrupted right of way ; that 
the Opera House would be filled with men onlj', interested 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 413 

to hear the words of a preacher and the singing of hymns ; 
that in less than twenty days, more than 1,000 persons in the 
city of Erie would signify their desire and determination to 
lead a Christian life — that prophet might have been ridiculed. 

" But that and more than that has been done in this city of 
Erie, and it has been a pleasure to the Dispatch to detail as 
completely as possible the progress of the great movement 
wliich has proved of so much interest to many people in this 
city and whose influence of good for the community cannot 
be questioned. Systematic metliod, thorough organization, 
and the co-operation of church forces under experienced 
leadership of exceptional ability have accomplished what 
doubtful means or sensation-dealing could never have done. 
It is to this superior, active organization, in our view, that is 
due much of the phenomenal success achieved." 

Rev. B. Fay Mills says of Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, who re- 
signed the pastorate of Bethany church, Philadelphia (best 
linown in the countrj^ as John Wanamakev's), with the press- 
ing demand for evangelists of the best sort. " Dr. Chapman's 
general methods are beyond criticism. His temperament is 
one of exceeding gentleness, and in his private life he is very 
attractive and winsome." He was persuaded to visit Erie 
in this capacity in the winter of '92 and '93 and by so doing 
brought blessings to hundreds of our citizens. He was the 
immediate successor of Dr. A. T. Pierson, and entered upon 
his duties in 1890. Was born in Indiana in 1859 ; studied 
at Oberlin and Lake Forest University, and his theological 
course at Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, where he graduated in 
1882, and there manifested his zeal and earnestness M'ith a large 
measure of God's blessing. 

The Twenty-third annual Assembly of the Woman's For- 
eign Missionary Society of the Presbyterian church met in 
Erie at the First Presbyterian church, April 1893. JSIrs. 
Charles P. Turner, of Philadelphia, the president, reviewed 
briefly the work of the society. Hundreds of ladies from the 
States of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, 
Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee and the District of Columbia 
were present. Rev. Dr. John Gillespie, of New York, and 
at least eight returned rnissionaries from the foreign field. 



414 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

made the meetiugs, which continued for three days, remark- 
ably interesting. 

Erie School Statistics for 1892-93. — The population of the city 
according to the census of 1893, by William P. Atkinson, 
Esq., is 47,500. The whole number enrolled in public and 
parocliial schools, 9,335 ; this includes 416 in night school and 
40 in mechanical drawing school ; the whole number of regu- 
lar teachers is 187, with salaries varying from §300 to $1,560 and 
assistants §250 ; library $1,000 ; total value of public school 
property is $592,900 ; increase of attendance over previous year 
is 249. Speaking of the night schools of this j'ear and the last, 
thirty per cent of the enrolhnent for both years were foreigners, 
who could neither read, nor speak English at all, or beyond 
a few words. These were Germans, Swedes, Italians, Poles, 
Danes, Finns, Norwegians, Russians, and French. Thirty 
per cent also were boys from tlie shops, who had but little or 
no knowledge of arithmetic beyond the fundamental rules. 
As usual with night school pupils the average attendance per 
night was about forty per cent of the whole enrollment. 
Many could not come every night, and to some, who came 
under compulsion, a minstrel show, a "dance," or the dime 
museum was oftentimes more attractive than the school. 
The ages ran from eleven to thirty-nine years ; and the occupa- 
tions of all represented every trade and calling in life. 

The high school moved into its new quarters in the central 
school building in September, 1891. 

The public schools were closed by the School Board as fol- 
lows : One in the fall of 1891 for two weeks, without sug- 
gestion from the health officer because of the presence of 
ten cases of diphtheria in that school district ; one in April 
without suggestion of the health officer, for three weeks im- 
mediately after the spring vacation^ because during the vacation 
fourteen cases of diphtheria appeared in that district; one for 
three weeks in May, because of the appearance in the district 
of twelve cases. All the schools of the city were closed by 
order of the Board on May 27, 1892, though at that time five 
schools had already been closed, leaving eleven districts free 
froin diphtheria so far as public school children were concerned. 

Columbus Day, Oct. 21, 1891, in honor of the four hundreth 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 415 

anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus, was 
celebrated as in other cities, and was a day never to be for- 
gotten, 7,944 children being in line. Erie never witnessed 
such a display. Oct. 1, D.J. Waller, Jr., State Superinten- 
dent of Public Instruction called upon all school principals to 
see that trees were planted on Columbus Day. 

The officers of the School Board for 1893-94 are : H. W. 
De Witt, President ; R. G. Newbegin, Secretary ; George P. 
Colt, Treasurer ; John S. Rilling Solicitor ; H. C. Missimer, 
Superintendent ; W. G. Arbuckle, Su]Derintendent of Build- 
ings. 

The Teachers' Institute of November 1893, held in Erie, was 
largely attended, and many fine lecturers from a distance as- 
sisted. Among the number was Mrs. Mary Hunt, who has in- 
troduced temperance teachings in the public school course. 

The magnificent central school building finished the last 
year is worthy of a full description did our space allow. 

Report of Public Schools of Erie County. — See page 151 for 
State Superintendent of Schools' report for 1860. We submit 
the following statistics for 1892 : 

Whole number of schools 520 

Average number of months taught 834 

Number of male teachers 107 

Number of female teachers 532 

Average attendance of scholars 10,J92 

Cost of teaching each scholar per mouth S 1.34 

Taxes levied for school purposes 197,817.3;^ 

State appropriation 32,060.67 

Total receipts for school purposes 329,197.53 

Cost of instruction 143,408.58 

Fuel and contingencies 62,517.72 

Cost of schoolhouses 114,899.89 

This table shows that while the attendance has increased 
128 per cent over that of 1860, the combined outlay for instruc- 
tion, buildings, fuel and contingencies has been increased to 
58S per cent. 

The proportion of female teachers to the whole number 
in 1860 was 60 per cent ; in 1892 it was 89 per cent. The in- 
crease in the proportion of female teachers was first caused 
by the necessities of the case at the beginning of the late war, 
from the absence of so many of our best male teachers in the 
army. But what was begun from necessity has been con- 
tinued from choice, the ladies having proven quite as satisfac- 



416 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

tory as teachers as the men, if not more so, and having in tliis 
matter secured to themselves the greatest advance in tlie scope 
of their influence, usefuhiess and their opportunities for wage- 
earning. 

The Erie Academy is under the care of Prof. J. A. Wiley, 
M.A., with Miss S. King and Mrs. Pratt as assistants. It has 
a kindergarten and is in a prosperous condition. 

St. Benedicts Academy has Sister M. Clara, Directress. 

The Villa MaiHa Academy, being a large ladies' school oc- 
cupying a whole square on Plum and Eighth streets, was com- 
pleted and dedicated the 30th of May, 1892. It is in charge of 
the Sisters of St Joseph. Also there is a parochial school on 
Fourth between Holland and German streets. 

Lake Shore Seminar^/, established in Northeast in 1870, 
though undenominational, was to a certain extent, under the 
control of the Methodists, having a fine four story brick build- 
ing in the best vicinity. It did not prosper financially, and 
was sold at public sale first to the People's Savings Institution, 
and afterwards, on February 1, 1881, to the Redemptorist Fath- 
ers of Annapolis, Md. The price paid was §10,000, and it is 
used as a preparatory school for young men about to enter the 
Roman Catholic priesthood, having been dedicated as St. 
Mary's College. 

Clark's Business College. — This organization was established 
in 1883 and incorporated in 1890. Prof. H. C. Clark, President ; 
Prof. S. M. Sweet, Secretary and Treasurer. Board of man- 
agers : H. C. Clark, Hon. Joseph McCarter, Hon. J. F. 
Downing, J. Foster Hill, Hon. S. M. Brainard, D. C. Weller, 
S. M. Sweet. This is an exceedingly popular and well patron- 
ized institution. It has just presented to the public its tenth 
annual illustrated catalogue, and has removed to new quar- 
ters in the Downing Block, occupying the entire sixth flour of 
that elegant structure. 

M. G. Benedict, A.M., Ph.D., is jirincipal of the State 
Normal School at Edinboro. It has fine buildings, but has 
suffered much loss in consequence of dissensions with regard 
to Prof. Cooper, who was at the head of the institution for 
nearly thirty years. Many lawsuits and much bitter feeling 
pi'evailed which now happily is in the past. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 417 

Dr. X. C. Schaeflfer, the State Superintendent of Public In- 
struction, writes editorially in the current number of the 
Pennsylvania School Journal (1893) : 

"A visit to the State Normal School at Edinboro revealed 
an attendance of over 160 students. Of these 110 are prepared 
to teach and the rest are in the model school. The students 
are earnest and exceedingly well behaved. The professors are 
enthusiastic and liarmonious. Among them is Miss Anna 
Buckbee, whose fame as a teacher has readied all parts of the 
Commonwealth. Tlie superintendent of the model school re- 
ports that pupils from the town schools are seeking admission 
into his department. Edinboro is a beautiful town, free from 
the temptations of large cities, and well adapted to be the seat 
of a flourishing school. The buildings and the discipline have 
been much imj^roved in recent years." 

AN APPEAL FROM NINETY-NINE LADIES OF THE BEST CLASS. 
Taken from Erie Gazette, September 8, 1S53. 

An appeal to the voters of Erie County : 

We, the undersigned mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters, 
present this petition to those who hold in their hands the 
power to drive the demon of intemperance from among us, by 
procuring the passage of a prohibitory liquor law. "We are 
not politicians, nor do we ask for the right to vote, but we 
appeal to you as our protectors and the protectors of our sons 
and brothers, who are not yet old enough to have a voice 
themselves, to nominate temperance candidates for the ensu- 
ing election. We want men without reference to party poli- 
tics, who are known to feel deeply and decidedly on this most 
important subject, who are not actuated by selfish interests to 
call themselves temperance men, as a last resort of getting the 
nomination. We want men nominated who have worked for 
the cause, and are themselves examples of sobriety. We, who 
are the greatest sufferers, because the weakest party, appeal to 
you whom both God and our country have appointed our pro- 
tectors. Shall we not be heard ? 

Mrs. L. Sanford. Miss M. McCracken. Mrs. William Hays. 

" G. A. Lyon. Mrs. Gilson. " P. Faulkner. 

" W. Davenport. " C. M. Reed. " R. Faulkner. 

'* L. M. Richards. " Carsen Graham. " Ingersoll. 

'* Eliza Clark. " Emily Ottinger. " M. A. Adkins. 



418 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



Mrs 


. T. B. Vincent. 


Miss Virginia Ottinger. 


Mrs. J. S. Carter. 


" 


L. M. Smith. 


" R. Watkinson. 


" Anna McCann. 


" 


H. C. Hoppen. 


Mrs. 8ophia Camp. 


" Dr. Vosburg. 


" 


David B. Derby. 


" F. D. Galbraith. 


" Pierce. 


" 


H. J. Sltinuer. 


Miss Sarah Davenport. 


" J. Sill. 


" 


M. H. Parsons. 


Mrs. Harriet Vincent. 


" J. Kellogg. 


" 


S. L. Gillen. 


" A. Tomlinson. 


" T. G. Colt. 


" 


J. Constable. 


" S. Jackson. 


Miss E. Lyman. 


" 


R. Todd. 


Miss M. Jackson. 


Mrs. S. M. Brewster. 


" 


E. Babbitt. 


Mrs. A. A. Galbraith. 


Miss Mary Brewster. 


" 


M. C. Foster. 


Miss S. M. Wright. 


Mrs. Harriet Hulbert. 


Miss 


i S. M. Foster. 


" E. G. Wright. 


" Kennedy. 


" 


Eliza Dunn. 


Mrs. A. M. Low. 


Miss Marlah Kennedy 


" 


Letitia Dunn. 


" John L. Brown. 


Mrs. B. Hubley. 


Mrs, 


. C. Otis. 


" James C. Reed. 


" H. B. Haverstick. 


" 


Marg. Graham. 


Miss Calista IngersoU. 


Miss F. DifTenbaugh. 


*' 


Jane McCracken. 


" Anna E. Casca. 


" Diantha Brown. 


" 


H. J. Lowry. 


Mrs. J. E. Riblet. 


Mrs. Lueinda E. Irish. 


Miss C. M. Zimmerman 


. " H. Towner. 


" Nancj- Carter. 


Mrs, 


, E. A. G. Lane. 


Miss Ellen Towner. 


" L. Moore. 


" 


E. W. Marshall. 


" Susan Eddy. 


" Mary Metcalf. 


" 


F. Weatherby. 


Mrs. E. H. Smith. 


" Mary Willing. 


Miss M. W. Marsliall. 


3Iiss Lizzie Martin. 


" Eleanor Davis. 


" 


Hamot. 


Mrs. 0. H. Irish. 


" Elisa Vanbausen, 


Mrs, 


, W. Himrod. 


Miss E. Hannah. 


" S. M. Kellogg. 


" 


Elizabeth Hamot. 


" Nella Me. Wade. 


" C. E. Gunnison. 


" 


Capt. Dobbins. 


" Mary Carter. 


" C. H. Seymour. 


" 


J. F. Hampson. 


Mrs. Wm. Truesdall. 





"An appeal to the voters of Erie County," signed by one 
hundred ladies, given in a subsequent column, will be found 
worthy of attention. It is a settled truth that any cause em- 
bracing the moral and social well-being of society the ladies 
take hold of in good earnest, always, sooner or later, succeeds. 
The passage, therefore, of a prohibitory liquor law, in Penn- 
sylvania, may be classed with the " certainties " of the future. 
The ladies of Wattsburg, it will be perceived, make a similar 
appeal. 

The Temxterance Sentiment {1S53). — We observe in the last 
number of The Herald^ a monthly temperance periodical pub- 
lished in tliis city, a resolution signed by a goodly number of 
well-known Whigs and Democrats pledging themselves to 
support no man for the Legislature who is not " in favor of 
the enactment of a prohibitory liquor law similar to the 
Maine law, and who Avill not, if elected, use all his influence 
to secure its passage." It cannot be disguised that there is 
abroad a deep-seated, determined feeling upon this subject. 
We have scarce a doubt, from the spirit exliibited in the 
several counties of the State, tliat a majoritj' will be chosen to 
the Lower House favorable to the passage of a prohibitory 



HISTOKY OF ERIE COUNTY. 419 

law. We are opposed to the introduction of temperance into 
systematic political action, but we are free to say we are per- 
fectly willing that the proposed measure should have a trial. 
If it can remove the monstrous evils which the sale of intox- 
icating drinks have entailed upon society, why, in the name 
of all that's just and good, let us have it. We repeat, if it can 
effect the all-important object contemplated, let us have it. 
We stand ready to accept any panacea for a scourge so dread- 
ful, so desolating, so blasting to human happiness, so detri- 
mental to public and private morals. 

The Women's Christian Temperance Union was organized 
in 1874. Miss Belle Sterrett (afterwards Mrs. Hall) and 
Miss Stewart took the first active measures. At a meeting 
September 24, 1874, in the First Methodist Episcopal church 
Mrs. Longstreet was chosen President, Miss Belle Sterrett, 
Vice-President ; Mrs. J. J. Sterrett, Treasurer, and Miss Abbie 
Low, Secretary. Mrs. Carrier and Mrs. Ramsej^, together 
with Miss Sauford, were a committee to draft a constitution 
and report at the next meeting. Miss B. Sterrett was Presi- 
dent of the meeting, and Miss L. G. Sanford elected first 
President. A mass meeting M'as appointed for November 
1874. Mother Stewart lectured in 1875, April 12. Mrs. Judge 
Marvin, Mrs. C. M. Briggs, Mrs. Wallace Sherman, Misses 
Burwell and Wittich, Dr. M. A, B. Woods and many other of 
our ladies have served as officers the last twenty years. Much 
good has resulted from its efforts, though never as much 
as desired. The best lecturers have been secured, literature 
distributed, petitions and remonstrances signed, unfermented 
wine for communion recommended, pledges given, fountains 
erected, etc. Several attempts have been made to establish 
a coffee house, but without much success. Throughout the 
county many societies exist, as Wattsburg, Girard, Northeast, 
Waterford, Miles Grove, Harborcreek and Edinboro. A small 
newspaper, The Crisis, edited by Mrs. Dr. Taylor, of Edin- 
boro, has done a good work. The report of INIrs. H. S. Jones 
of the jail committee is as follows : 

During the year ending April 1, 18S9, G94 prisoners have been 
confined in the Erie County jail, of whom thirty-seven were 
women, and 104 were boys from nine to twenty years of age. 



420 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Religious services have been held every Sunday at 3 o'clock 
P. M., until January, when the time was changed to 9:45 A. 
M. by request of Sheriff Mehl. By this new arrangement we 
have been deprived of the valuable services of our assistants 
who are engaged in Sunday school work at that hour and can- 
not meet with us. We seldom apply to ministers of the city, 
as their time is fully occupied with their regular church work 
on that day. During each week a large package of literature, 
mostly on temperance, is distributed among the prisoners, 
which appears to be well received and read with some degree 
of interest. 

During the year scores of prisoners have pledged themselves 
to abstain from strong drink — men who voluntarily asked for 
pledges and ex^jressed a desire to lead a better life. 

Many affecting as well as heartrending stories of temptation 
and struggles to be free from the bondage of appetite have 
been told me. Many who have been incarcerated within the 
walls of Erie jail have struggled heroically to free them- 
selves from the effects of the blighting curse of drink, while 
they are assailed on every hand by the almost irresistible 
fascination of open saloons. To-day I recall the despairing 
cry of one who said "O, madame, I sometimes think I must 
do something desperate, that I may again be placed behind 
the bars out of the reach of the demon that is pursuing me at 
every turn." A boy only sixteen years of age sent to the 
Morganza prison reform school for stabbing another with a 
knife, while frenzied with drink, came to me after his release 
last month, saying : '* What shall I do ? they met me at the 
depot and wanted me to drink." I kept him at my own home 
until a place was found for him to work out of town. He 
writes me that he is doing well and trying to lead a better life. 
These unfortunates are not all from the lower walks of life. 
No ! no ! This scourge of despair and death has crossed and is 
daily crossing the portals of homes of wealth and refinement, 
striking down and bearing away many of the noblest and 
best. This skeleton dances behind the tapestry and upon the 
velvet-covered floors of some of the most beautiful homes in 
Erie. We have nothing but words of commendation for our 
jail officials. Sheriff jNIehl and Warden Perry Sedgwick, as 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 421 

well as ex-SherlfF Gifford, have done and are doing all they 
can for our convenience in advancing the work. 

The W. C. T. U. donated the city the substantial drink- 
ing fountain on the corner of State and Tenth streets. Mr. 
George D. Selden also presented the large and costly marble 
fountain in the West Park, to the city in 1883. The two 
beautiful jets, in the East and West Parks and the Soldiers' 
monument are evidence of the taste and public spirit of our 
citizens. 

The Union Ice Company, Messrs. Briggs & Kelsey proprie- 
tors, generously placed for the season, a tank of ice w^ater, 
with a faucet and cup (which served also as a sign) in front of 
their office, 620 State Street, with the legend " Help yourself" 
— and many hundreds have had reason to thank them. 

W C. T. U. officers for 1893 : President, Mrs. Mary Hubble ; 
Vice-President, Mrs. M. A. B. Woods ; Secretary, Mrs. G. L. 
Young, Cedar between Seventh and Eighth streets ; Treasurer, 
Mrs. Titus Berst. 

Call for a County Constitutional Temperance Amendment 
Convention at Erie, March 1, 1889, at Riblet's Hall, corner of 
Twelfth and Peach streets. 

The Legislature having submitted the long sought Temper- 
ance Amendment to our Constitution to be adopted, as Ave hope, 
the 13th day of June next, it now remains for the good people 
of every class to unite forces and means to secure success at the 
polls. Our first work is to complete a county organization, 
and we, the undersigned, do api)oint and call a county con- 
vention to assemble at 10 o'clock A. M., March 1, in the city of 
Erie, in Riblet's Hall, corner of Twelfth and Peach streets. 

We cordially invite to meet with us all temperance people, 
irrespective of sex or party, on a thoroughly non-partisan basis. 

ERIE. VNION. NORTHEAST. 31'KEAN. 

8. T. Pollock. E. W. Hatch. D. D. Loop, M. D. David Stanclift. 

.las. (i. Patterson. K. G. Smith. J. Higgins. j q Grimier 

Geo. D. Selden. W. T. Everson. Z.Rogers. L b' Clark 

D.S.Clark. J. H. La ubender. Carl Pierce. D Hay ford. 

Solon Cobb. F. W. Burnham. Geo. W. Moore. jg' ^ Bavle 

W. E. :Magill. W. W. Shrew. Thos. Porter M.D. y^r y ytaffo'rd. 

Robert Williams. J. E. Thompson. E. J. Hunter M.D. 

N. Luccock. T. A. Edwards. W. O. Wing. GIRARD. 

C. A. Gaither. Edwin P. Clark. Wm. E. Marvin, 

M. A. Dunning. Oscar Glezen. C. A. Pease. Rev.C.L.Shipman 

Owen Wiard. L. D. Rockwell. N. H. Clark. C. F. Rockwell. 



422 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



G. E. Barger. 
I. B. Gara. 
J. C. Thorns. 
H. G. Schabacker. 
M. G. Sterrett. 

F. H. Ellsworth. 
J. C. Wilson, 

S. S. Caughey. 
J. C. Sims. 
E. L. Pelton. 
J. Boyd Espy. 
E. L. Frazier. 
Wm. Haidwick. 
J. W. Wakefield. 
P. B. Sheldon. 
J. L. Stratton. 

ALBION. 

P.D. Flower, M.D. 
S. A. Saunders. 
L. H. Salisbury. 
J. Pelton. 
D. G. Spaulding. 

G. Runyon. 
R. A. Barnes. 
Wm. Tliornton. 
G. V. B. Thomas. 
J. Wells. 

D. E. Perry. 

E. Davenport. 
D. E. Flower, 
W. Alderman, 
B. C. Palmer. 

F. C. Callaghan. 
D. Sanford. 



D. G. Smiley. 
C. W. Dabney. 
J. W. Sproul. 
C.N. McLean. 

FAIRVIEW. 

Dr. W. J. Weeks. 
J. C. Miner. 
T. M. Ryan, 
(ieo. S. Stone. 
Rev. H. Webster, 

A. J. McCreary. 
Chas. Galliai'd. 

B. A. Landis. 
J. G. Ziegler. 
Allen Sturgeon. 
J. A. Daggett. 
Ellas Baj'le. 

C. M. French. 
Wm. Caughey. 

MILIi VILLAGE. 

S. M. Clark. 
F. N. Runnels. 
J. S. Ross. 
J. N. Reane. 
J. R. Huntei'. 
P. T. Manross. 
Wm. McCray. 

E. K. Range. 

C. S. Edmunds. 
S. Beardsley. 
Chas. Mitchell. 
W. H. Frisbee. 
L. M. McKinley 



M. L. Seikregg. 
C.C.Hall, M.D. 

EAST MILLCREEK. 

C. N. Stark. 
W. W. Conrad. 
H. H. Miller. 
G. J. Russell. 

F. Fuhrmann, Jr. 

G. B. Russell. 
J. C. Wood. 
Rev. J. P. Irwin. 
H. Drown. 
Chas. Miller. 

R. D. Beardsley, 
S. S. Conrad. 

WEST MILLCREEK. 

C. B. Evans. 
J. M. Dunn. 
E. Warner. 
George Booth. 
George Reed. 
G. W. Haybarger. 
J. G. Reed. 
J. C. Munn. 

W. SPRINGFIELD. 

S. D. Ware. 

E. F. Mallory. 
N. W. Jones. 
C. M. Reed. 

F. P. Jones. 
S. M. Nickle. 

O. W. Anderson. 
. W. I. Potter. 



Dr. O. Logan. 
J. M. Ealy. 
J.E. Pratt. 

EDINBORO. 

Joseph Tavlor. 
I. N. Taylor. 
John Proudfit. 

F. A. Temple. 
H. Lewis. 

WAYNE. 

J. G. Kincaide. 

ELGIN. 

Wm. R. Wade. 

HAEBORCREEK. 

G. W. Cleaveland. 
Wm. Henton. 

T. M. Dodge. 

CORRY. 

Isaac Colgrove. 
Rev. R.M.Warren 
Dr. J. A. Marsh. 
J. C. Wales. 

E. SPRINGFIELD. 

John Hughes, 
W. T. Manus. 
W. M. McMullen. 

MILES GROVE. 

Chas. Pettibone. 



The contest is upon us. Let no friend of temperance fail in 
the crisis. Only by early, thorough and constant work can 
we hoije for success. The campaign must be planned wisely 
and prosecuted boldly. The aim of this convention is to in- 
augurate the movement. We, therefore, appeal to everyone 
in Erie County who loves his country and his fellow-man to 
respond to this call in person and to co-operate in this work. 
" Pennsylvania expects every man to do his duty." 

The returns June 30, 1889, showed a majority' of about 193,360 
votes against the amendment ; Erie County's majority, 3,815. 

The number of licenses granted for the sale of intoxicating 
drinks in 1893 in the county of Erie, 163 ; in the eitj', 121. 
Apijlications denied or refusals to grant, 48. 

Woman^s Work. — (March 10, 1893.) — In response to the call 
of the chairman, the members of the Erie County Committee, 
Board of World's Fair Managers, met at her residence this 
morning. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 423 

The main object of the society, organized a little over a year 
ago, having been accomplished, and Erie County compli- 
mented upon the display to be made, the subject of joining 
" Tlie Pennsylvania Association for Women's Work " was 
discussed, and tlie idea warmly advocated by the ladies 
present. 

At a meeting of delegates from the Congressional districts 
of Pennsylvania, convened at Philadelphia for the purpose of 
considering the representation of worli of Pennsylvania wo- 
men at Chicago, it was suggested that the present county 
auxiliary committees form the nucleus of the permanent or- 
ganization, wliich shall be known as the Pennsylvania Asso- 
ciation for Women's Work, having for its object the uniting 
of women of this State for philanthropic and patriotic en- 
deavors and the fostering of all interests of women throughout 
the Commonwealth. In addition to regular work, it is a part 
of the liberal plan that in case of any calamity or emergency 
this association can be relied upon for immediate assistance. 

The Avhole idea is based upon a broad foundation, quite in 
proportion to the great State it represents. Any woman in 
tlie State interested in woman's work, can become a member 
on the presentation of her name bj' otlier members, condi- 
tions being the same that secured appointments on the auxil- 
iarj' committee, i. e., good social standing and the proven ca- 
j)acity to excel in some one line of usefulness. 

The membership fee is placed at one dollar per annum. 
Meetings are to be held yearly, convening by turns in the 
larger towns. Each county will hold, at its discretion, 
monthly or quarterly meetings. 

Tlie Secretary was requested to notify the State Secretary of 
the decision of the Erie County Committee, and would re- 
quest the members absent from to-day's meeting, to kindly 
send their names and initiation fee ($1) to 138 East Twelfth 
Street, should they feel disposed to join also. 

In regard to ordering the medallions, it was decided to defer 
the matter until the chairman could send for one for inspec- 
tion. They are of beautiful workmanship and unique design. 

The meeting adjourned subject to the call of the president. 

Ejima Brevillier, Secretary. 



424 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Humane Society. — At a preliminary meeting a vote of 
thanks was extended to Dr. George A. Bell, the humane 
agent of the Western Pennsylvania Society, for his work and 
able report. He was appointed on the 10th day of January, 
1891. During the year complaints and investigations made 
were 448 in number: Domestic animals, 320 ; children, 110 ; 
aged persons, 18. For the year 1892 the total was 372 : Do- 
mestic animals, 280 ; children, 84 ; aged persons, 8. 

From the result of investigations there were thirty arrests 
made and brought before aldermen of this city. They were 
all lined from ten to twenty dollars each and costs. A few 
were let off, being very poor, by paying the costs and promis- 
ing to do better in the future. There were no appeals to a 
higher court, which can be done when the fines exceed ten 
dollars. 

February, 1893, — Those interested in the organization of a 
local branch of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Humane 
Society met at Y. M. C. A. Hall. The attendance was good, 
many ladies being present. A permanent organization was 
formed and the following officers and board of managers 
elected for the ensuing year : 

President — F. F. Adams ; Vice-Presidents— L. M. Little, 
J. F. Downing, and Robert J. Saltsman ; Managers — Mrs. 
Willis Churchill, Mrs. J. F. Downing, Mrs. Thomas Baird, 
Mrs. Myron Sanford, Mrs. W. T. Black, Mrs. J, M. Glazier, 
Mrs. C. V. Gridley, Mrs. T. D. Ingersoll, Mrs. W. L. Erwin, 
Mrs. Frank Keplar, Mrs. A. K. McMullen, Mrs. John Walker, 
Thomas Pickering, James McBrier, Rev. B. H. Hayden, 
Thomas Brown, Capt. J. S. Richards, W. N. Wilson ; Secre- 
tary — Mrs. George Talcott ; Acting Treasurer — F. A. Bliley. 

Dr. Bell was chosen agent for Erie City ; F. A. Bliley, 
solicitor. The adoption of a constitution and code of by-laws 
followed the election of officers. The annual election of 
officers will be held on the third Monday of February of each 
year. Regular meetings will be held on the first Monday of 
each month. The membership fee was placed at SI for ladies 
and $3 for gentlemen. 

The Erie Humane Society met in the Y. M. C. A. Hall in 
monthly session, with Hon. F. F. Adams presiding. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 425 

Dr. Bell, the humane agent, made a report of the work of 
the society during the month of October as follows : Abuse 
of horses and animals investigated, sixty ; children reported 
to have been neglected, sixty-eight ; old ladies neglected or 
abused, thi'ee ; and one young man reported to have been 
badly treated. Two of the old ladies were sent to the alms- 
house, and the young man was sent to the almshouse in- 
firmary. 

The report for the month of November shows that ninety- 
seven reported cases of abuse to animals were investigated 
and a number of prosecutions were brought. Seventy chil- 
dren were looked after and their condition improved. Four 
old ladies were placed amid better surroundings. 

Dr. T. D. Ingersoll read a paper on the intelligence of the 
horse, and the paper was a very philosophical dissertation. 

Dr. Bell, in this connection, stated that in the matter of the 
senses of seeing, hearing, and smelling they were a great deal 
more acute than those in the human i-ace. The meeting was 
one of the most interesting held since the organization of the 
society in this city. 

Dr. Bell, who will in all probability be continued as agent 
of the Erie branch of the Humane Society, concluded his re- 
marks with the following words : 

"In conclusion, I must thank the press, police, and citizens 
in general for the valuable assistance they have given me the 
past two years. Let every lad3' and gentleman do all they 
can to put down cruelty of every nature. There is enough for 
all of us to do. It is impossible for the agent to be all over 
the city at one time. Every good citizen has a right to stop 
any form of cruelty, and then he can report to the agent 
either by telephone, mail, or in i)erson. All informations are 
strictly' confidential in every respect." 

At next Monday's meeting officers will be elected and a con- 
stitution and by-laws adopted. Let the good work go on, and 
the meeting be largely attended, for there is a large and 
fruitful field in the midst of us for just such a society as the 
one about to be organized. 

A day nursery or creche was incorporated in 1892, The 
large frame house at No. 235 East Sixth Street was opened De- 



426 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

cember 1st, and a matron installed. The officers were ; Mrs. 
T. C. Gridley, President ; Mrs. Wm. T. Black and Mrs. Jno. 
T. Boyd, Vice-Presidents ; Mrs. Chas. Davenport, Treasurer ; 
and ]Mrs. Wm. Brewster, Secretary. Together with the Hu- 
mane Society and Bureau of Charities, Erie is much better 
provided than formerly to help those in want, and it is for- 
tunate that they are popular and funds are amply provided. 
The flood of May, 1892, made large demands, which were 
greatly increased by the financial depression a few months 
later. 

The Young Men's Christian Association was organized in Erie 
August 20, 1860, by a meeting held in Park Hall (609 French 
Street Park), with Mr. E. L. Pelton as chairman. At the 
meeting of August 27th, Mr. A. McD. Lyon was elected Presi- 
dent. After holding their meetings in the lecture rooms of the 
different Pi-otestant churches for one year, rooms were fitted 
up for them in the Beatty Block, West Park. Mr. A. H. 
Caughey was elected President, and §175 was expended for 
books and a few periodicals for a reading room. The remains 
of the Irving Institute Library, consisting of 700 volumes, 
were entrusted to their keeping. In 1862, Mr. G. S. Berry hav- 
ing an official position in Harrisburg was empowered to ap- 
ply for a charter, which was granted the ensuing year ; also a 
course of lectures was maintained. The association consists of 
four departments : First, the general department, providing 
for the intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual wants of 
young men, as literary societies, lectures, Bible classes, devo- 
tional services, companionship for strangers, gymnastic privi- 
leges, etc.; second, the railroad branch, which offers railroad 
people gospel services, religious literature, with attention to the 
sick and injured ; third, the German branch, providing the 
German-speaking with -meetings in their own language ; 
fourth, the boy's branch, which is conducted with special ref- 
erence to the wants of that age — practical talks on .'eligious 
and secular topics, also mechanical, scientific, and other inter- 
esting subjects. 

The association purchased about 1878, a fine three-story 
brick building on the corner of Tenth and Peach streets, and 
in 1889 made a large addition for a lecture room and gymna- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 427 

slum. The library now contains about 6,000 volumes, with 
seventy-five newspapers and periodicals in the free reading 
room. The number of members is about 500, being of two 
classes, active and associate. The former hold office or vote in 
the management, being connected with some church. For a 
small fee yearly, all the privileges of the institution can be 
enjoyed — the library, baths, gymnasium, etc. There is also a 
ladies' auxiliary, which is very useful, with Mrs. F. A. 
Mizener, President, which has for its work a supervision of the 
building, refitting, and decorating. 

The chairman of the library committee, Mr. (now Rev.) A. 
H. Caughey, in the Erie Dis2Jatch, 1887, recounts one of their 
past trials, as follows : "It was not until the early i)art of the 
year 1867 that the work of soliciting was undertaken with real 

zeal, and pushed to completion Two or thi-ee 

thousand dollars had thus been subscribed, when the late 
Myi'on Sanford set down his name for one thousand dollars, 
with this limitation, namely : ' Provided ten thousand dollars 
is subscribed and paid in to the treasurer on or before May 25, 
1867.' The soliciting committees were delighted, astonished, 

and — discouraged We were in sight of the goal, 

but it was not reached, and the 25th of May had come. Mr. 
Sanford kindly extended the time. We worked for a month 
longer, but were still several hundred dollars short of the full 
sum ; when our generous helper handed us his check for 
§1,000, and bade us rest from our labors." 

Prof. H. S. Jones, Mr. A. L. Littel, and Rev. A. H. Caughey 
have been efTective and untiring in their eflbrts for the library. 
The names of W. R. Davenport, C. C. Shirk, N. J. Clark, 
George D. Selden, James Metcalf, H. L. Sanford, and of Sec- 
retaries Simms, Gordon, and Hatch are recognized as among 
its active friends. The President (1893) is Mr. L. M. Little, 
the General Secretary, Mr. W. D. Fellows, and there are 
twenty-four managers from the different churches. A gospel 
wagon has the past year been added to the facilities for preach- 
ing the Word in points distant from churches. Messrs. Eddy, 
DeWitt, and I. M. Wallace have aided by their efforts and 
means. 

Harriot Hospital had its origin in a remark made by Rev. 



428 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

James T. Franklin, and was formally opened July 1, 1881. 
The property at the foot of State Street, valued at $12,000, was 
presented to a corporation by the heirs of P. S. V. Hamot for 
the sole use of a general hospital, being one of the most val- 
uable gifts as yet made for a public purpose. A house physi- 
cian and a medical board from our first j)h3'sicians, with a 
superintendent, a graduate from a New York school for 
trained nurses, officiated. A ladies auxiliarj', representing 
every Protestant church in the city, is in aid of the regular 
board of managers. An enlargement of the building was 
demanded in a few years, and it is now amply equipped and 
provided. The expense was met by subscription and a small 
State appropriation. It can now accommodate forty to fifty 
patients, and is supported by fees from able patients, volun- 
tary donations from business houses, societies, and individuals. 
It has one yearly income of §500 from a generous citizen ; also 
one perpetual free bed by a donation of §5,000, being the 
Myron Sanford memorial. Mr. George Seldeu has bequeathed 
to the hospital 620,000 provided it ceases to be sectarian. By 
its constitution the Rector of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal 
church is its president and a majority of the managers must 
be from the same church. 

The report of the training school for 1893, which was estal)- 
lished in 1889, principally by the eflx)rts of Mrs. Charles H. 
Strong, is as follows : Eight nurses were sent out, and many 
calls were refused, as nurses could not be spared from the hos- 
pital. There are now three graduates doing private nursing 
in the town, and one is acting as office nurse to a physician. 
Four have graduated the past year. 

The St. Vincent Hospital was erected in 1875-76 ; a hand- 
some four story brick structure well fitted for hospital pur- 
poses. It is under the care of the Sisters of St. Joseph, be- 
ing presided over by Sister Ambrosia with a large corps of 
well-trained nurses. It is one of the most popular institutions 
of its kind in this region and is on the corner of Twenty- 
sixth and Sassafras streets. 

Home of the Friendless. — This popular and well-established 
institution, first occupied (Nov. 2, 1871) the "Reed home- 
stead," which was on the southeast comer of State Street and 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 429 

South Park Row, having been tendered its use by Gen. C. M. 
Reed. The next year it AA'as removed to the Marine Hospital, 
now the Soldiers' Home. The managers authorized them to 
occupy it until the State authorities should direct its use for 
other purposes. In November, 1875, the Home was removed 
to its permanent quarters, the Hon. M. B. Lowrj' having do- 
nated the fine property on the corner of Twenty-Second and 
Sassafras streets. In 1875 the new brick building was com- 
pleted through much effort to collect funds on the part of its 
friends. Hon. W. L. Scott made a donation to the institution 
on Christmas, 1880, of $^5,000. Mr. P. Metcalf presented a lot 
of fifty feet added to the south side. Ten j'ears from its com- 
mencement it had a convenient building large enough to ac- 
commodate eighty persons, and a property worth $18,000. In 
1884 Mr. Dunning's property adjoining on Twenty-Third 
Street was purchased for $5,000 for an old people's home, an 
imijrovement which had been contemplated from the first. A 
large addition was made on Twenty-Third Street. Thousands 
of children have been sheltered and cared for, and the ladies 
of the Protestant churches feel richly rewarded in their labor 
of love. Mrs. I. B. Gara, Miss Kate Mason, and Miss Sarah 
Reed have successively held the office of President. 

The Old Ladies^ Home, under the Home of the Friendless 
board of managers, commenced in 1886 by the purchase of the 
"Dunning" place, has proved a very acceptable institution, 
and will probably soon be enlarged. 

St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum is in charge of the Sisters of St. 
Joseph. Also in charge of the same Sisters is the Old Folks' 
Home corner of Twenty-sixth and Ash streets. 

A Charity Society was organized in 1881, mainly through the 
efforts of Mr. ^Y. L. Scott. J. F. Downing, President ; W. S. 
Brown, Secretary and Treasurer. Objects : To bring into har- 
monious cooperation with one another and Avith the overseers 
of the poor, the various churches, charitable agencies, and in- 
dividuals in the city, and thus, among other things, to clieck 
the evils of the overlapping of relief ; to obtain from the people 
charities, suitable relief for deserving cases ; to provide visitors, 
who shall personally attend cases needing counsel and help, 
and to procure work for poor persons who are capable of being 



430 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

wholly or partly self-supporting ; to assist from its own funds, 
as far as possible, all suitable cases for which assistance cannot 
be obtained from other sources ; to repress mendacity by the 
above means and by the prosecution of imposters ; to promote 
the general welfare of the poor by social and sanitarj' reforms, 
and by the inculcation of habits of providence and self- 
dependence. This society was very useful, particularly in 
1891-92 when the diphtheria prevailed, but has been super- 
seded by the Bureau of Charities, which was incorporated in 
1892. The applicants were Harriet V. Gridley, Ella R. 
Griffith, Filinda W. Walker, Katharine Clark, Minnie Dun- 
ning, Emma J. Carroll, Charlotte M. Brevillier. The names of 
those chosen to act as an advisory board were as follow : Hon. 
Matthew Griswold, Hon. J. F. Downing, Hon. William A. 
Galbraith, Rev. John Huske, Rev. Solon Cobb, Rev. H. C. 
Hall, Hon. Walter Scott, and Messrs. Frederick Brevillier, 
Charles Jarecki, J. H. -Davie, William S. Brown, F. A. Bliley, 
C. P. Cody, Dr. John Doll and Veterinary Surgeon George W. 
Bell. 

The membership fee was placed at §1 for both ladies and 
gentlemen. 

Commissioner Riblet stated that the board had much to be 
thankful for on account of the Bureau of Charities, a new or- 
ganization, which is working in unison with the Commis- 
sioners and furnishes the board regularly with a list of persons 
who have received aid from it. The Commissioners in return 
furnish the bureau with a similar list. 

The total amount expended by the Commissioners during 
October for groceries and fuel was $299.70 against §243.60 for 
the same period last year. At present the board is aiding 107 
families, an increase of 26. In September of this year, $285.64 
was the amount expended in their relief. Every precaution is 
taken that only worthy persons receive assistance. 

The total poor expense last year amounted to $37,151.34, and 
out of the appropriation $5,450 remained in the treasury at the 
beginning of the present year. The custom has been to carry 
over about this amount from year to year, but if 1893 keeps 
pace with former years with a natural increase in the expense 
account of $2,000, which it bids fair to do, there will not be 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 431 

much of the $34,000 appropriation made for tills year left 
in the treasury next spring. The amount remaining in the 
treasury at the present time is |15,000. 

Mr. Robertson Wilcox, of Girard, bequeathed §5,000 to a 
public library in that borough. The amount is to be kept as a 
reserve fund, and used for the purchase of books and period- 
icals from year to year. The citizens are erecting the library 
building, and will meet the running expenses. It will be of 
brick and two stories high. Nearly $2,000 has already been 
subscribed. The following persons were selected as incorpo- 
rators, whose names will appear upon the charter : Mrs. C. 
F. Rockwell, W. C. Culbertson, A. M. Clark, Mrs. R. S. Bat- 
tles, A. R. Smith, S. S. Ely, Mrs. U. P. Rossiter, and J. C. 
Murphy. Five directors to serve for the ensuing year were 
elected, viz.: Frank May, C. F. Rockwell, R. S. Battles, Geo. 
W. Kibler, and O. D. Van Camp. The directors will select a 
building committee, president, secretary, •etc., and have gen- 
eral supervision of the afiairs of the association. 

The cornerstone of the Wilcox Library was laid the 17th of 
October. After the singing of "America" by the public 
school children, prayer was offered by Rev. C. D. Shipman, 
and appropriate remarks were made by Dr. O. Logan. Mrs. 
C. F. Rockwell read a list of the contents of the box to be de- 
posited under the stone. A contractor of Greenville has 
charge and good progress may be expected. 

Mr. Wilcox contributed largely to the M. E. church of 
Girard, in which he was a trustee. He had a good common 
school education and much business capacity, and largely in- 
vested in real estate in Erie and Chicago. The Wilcox House 
in Erie was owned by him. He was born in New London, 
Conn., in ISll, but came to Girard about 1834, and did a large 
business working at his trade, which was coopering. 

Mr. Wilcox also donated $10,000 for an annex to Allegheny 
College. The foundation is nearly complete, and, if the work 
goes on without interruption, the building may be ready for 
occupancy by the opening of the winter term. 

The funds for the building were obtained partly by bequest 
and partly by subscription. Mr. Robertson Wilcox, formerly 
of Girard, Pa., left the sum of §5,000 to the college for this 



432 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

purpose, and in honor of him the building will be knoAvn 
as the Wilcox Hall of Science. It is to be devoted entireh' to 
the departments of physics and chemistry, and is being built 
on a plan especially chosen for the purpose. It will be 40x61 
feet on the ground floor, and two to four stories in height. 
The basement will contain shops ; on the other floors are lab- 
oratories, recitation rooms, and a lecture room, seated like a 
medical lecture room, so that every student can look down 
upon the experiment table. This will seat about one hundred 
students. In all there are to be twelve rooms above the base- 
ment, and the cost will be between §10,000 and §12,000. 

Would that many wealthy citizens would imitate his noble 
example ! 

John Weis, a highly resj)ected citizen of West Millcreek, 
died in 1892, leaving an estate estimated at from $50,000 to 
§75,000. By his will he provides that a library be built and 
furnished within the boundaries of Fairview townshijD, or 
McKean or in West Millcreek. The ground is to be purchased 
and library opened as soon as possible. The best of books 
must be provided. Like many of his generation, he felt the 
absence of an early education, and it was his aim to do all in 
his power for the education of the young. After the expenses 
connected with the library are met, the trustees were directed 
to use the income to assist young people in literary and scien- 
tific pursuits. No sum to be paid greater than §100 per year for 
each person. His father, Jacob Weis, was a typical representa- 
tive of the Pennsylvania German, and came to Erie from Lan- 
caster about 1797, with the first settlers. First he resided at 
West INIillcreek, but afterwards purchased the Moses Barnet 
farm, in Fairview township. The site thought the most de- 
sirable for the Weis library is in the southern corner of Mill- 
creek, a very healthful as well as beautiful locality. It was 
undoubtedly the intention of the testator to locate it there. 
Attorney Henry Ilil)let was his counsel and near friend. His 
mother was Elizabeth (Ebersole) Weis, and his sister, Mrs. 
Hershey, alone survives. John Weis was born Januarj' 7, 1819. 

In 1888 the ^/'ie Herald Publishing Company issued an il- 
lustrated, choice paper, " City of Erie, Pennsylvania," and 
among other items said Erie never had a hurricane, a cyclone, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 433 

an earthquake or a flood. We trust the first two calamities 
never may visit us. 

The Flood of May 15-lS, 1893.— Mill Creek was swollen and 
raging from the constant and heavy rains of the previous few 
days. A boy thirteen years of age, Jacob Heberla, was 
drowned on the 16th, near Twenty-fourth and State streets 
while attempting to grapple some floating wood. The force of 
the powerful current drew him into the sti'eam before he real- 
ized his danger or could release his hold. A rope was thrown 
him, but he disappeared at Twenty-thu-d Street culvert, and 
his body was not found for some days. His recently widowed 
mother had also lately lost a child by diphtheria, making a 
grievous affliction. At midnight many women, children, and 
some invalids were removed to places of safety in a pouring 
rain. Buildings were picked up, swung around, and carried 
down stream, often blocking the way. In Erie, French and 
Holland streets were receptacles for overflow waters. Lakes, 
IDOols, and canals were found in unheard of places, and nu- 
merous wet cellars and ruined foundations were the result. 
Sewers at Eighth and Poplar, Eighteenth and Cherry, Tenth 
and State, Eighteenth and Poplar, were greatly damaged. 
The Hook and Ijadder Company was at E. Eighteenth Street 
and at Twenty-sixth succeeded in breaking up a jam after 
midnight. A skating rink on Tenth Street, being an immense 
structure, was turned about and twisted in an extraordinary 
manner. Watson's Paper Mill, City Iron Works, Jarecki's 
and Stearns' were closed for repairs for some days, or iso- 
lated by the water and unapproachable, though boats and 
rafts were useful and in demand. Some rowed over their 
hitherto beautiful gardens, and many used for entrance and 
exit second-story windows. Much soil was plowed, and car- 
ried down by the rush of waters. Railroad travel was in- 
terrupted for days, and the electric car tracks impeded. 
Bridges and abutments in Glenwood Park disappeared at 
a great loss. Garrison, Trout, and Brandy Runs, and Elk 
Creek, Gingrich, and Culbertson dams were partly carried 
away. Through the county the loss was great at Northeast, 
Waterford, Wellsburg, Albion, Girard, Lockport, and Fair- 
view. Fortunately there was no loss of life to record, except- 



434 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ing ill one case. Many animals, however, perished. The loss 
of property to the county and city taxpayers, to individuals, 
for foundations, cave-ins, interruptions in business, railroad 
companies, etc., was unparalleled. 

About 187S INIr. Jas. Dodsworth and a daughter fifteen years 
of age, living in a cottage on Eighth Street, were with the 
house carried down Mill Creek during the night, and the bodies 
not found until some daj's after. The storm and overflow were 
of very short duration, and the catastrophe scarcely had wit- 
nesses. Union City, June 5, 1892, suffered by the flood which 
was so disastrous to Oil City and Titusville. The citizens of 
Erie made a collection of $6,229.77, $3,736.87 being donated to 
Titusville and $2,492.90 to Oil City. At Oil City 105 houses 
were destroyed and many damaged. Titusville and Oil C'ity, 
according to figures, lost 129 persons in the fiery deluge. It is 
said the loss to Erie was equal excepting the loss by fire. 

The greatest rainfall recorded in the history of Erie com- 
menced on the night of the 15th of May 1893, and ended at 
about 6 a. m. on the 18th, 6.33 inches of rain having fallen 
during that period — about fifty-five hours. During the flood, 
4.71 inches of rain fell in twenty-four hours. However, two 
inches of rain fell in Erie in two hours, viz.: from 7:40 to 9:40 
a. m., August 25, 1873. 



SECTION VI. 



Water Covwiissioners — Hon. W. L. Scott — Palatial Residences — 
The Wadena — Ore Docks — Trestle — Metric Metal Co. — Railroads — 
County Roads — Freight Report — Banks — Disasters — Storage — 
Homeopathic Hospital — A Synopsis — WorUVs Fair Awards. 

The Board of Water Commissioners realize the importance 
of bettering the supply of drinking water which is used by 
the citizens of Erie, and, as true servants of the public, are 
doing the best they can to obtain it. An intercepting sewer 
from the vicinity of the Villa Maria Academy to the water 
front and thence east to the neighborhood of the Soldiers' 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 435 

Home property at a cost of less than 8100,000, was proposed as 
a measure of immediate relief. A vote for increase of debt 
for defraying the expense of constructing such a sewer re- 
sulted as follows : 1,833 in its favor, and 2,194 against ; ma- 
jority opposed, 361. Judging from this vote (and it was the 
second upon the subject) the people are not thoroughly aroused 
to its importance. Notwithstanding the health officer and 
physicians have recommended to boil the citj' water used for 
drinking purposes. Several citizens have M'ritten ably upon 
the subject, and we do not doubt but that a plan will be de- 
vised ere long by which the difficulty will be corrected. May 
it shortly prove an exception to the poet's lines, 

" 'Twixt truth and error, there is this difference known, 
Error is fruitful, trutli is only one." 

FUNERAL OF WILLIAM L. SCOTT. 

From the Evening Herald. 

Mayor C. S. Clarke issued the following proclamation : 

"The death of Hon. William L. Scott, a former mayor of 
this city, has occasioned universal sorrow in the community, 
and in view of his eminent services as an official, citizen, and 
business man, it is fitting that all due honor should be i^aid to 
his memory. 

"Therefore I, Charles S. Clarke, mayor, recjuest that all un- 
necessary business be suspended in this city from three to six 
o'clock on Thursday, September 24, the day of the funeral, in 
order that all may have an opportunity to participate in the 
burial services. 

"Given under mj' hand and the seal of the city of Erie 
this twenty-third day of September, A. D. 1891. 

"Charles S. Clarke, Mayor." 

The Rev, John Huske and Rev. William Price conducted 
the funeral services of the Episcopal church. A quartet 
composed of Mrs. F. W. Britton, of Cleveland, Mrs. Egglestou, 
Messrs. Little and Barnhurst, sang "Nearer My God to Thee." 

The honorary pall-bearers were ex-President Grover Cleve- 
land, Gov. Robert E. Pattison, ]Mr. George B. Roberts, Mr. 
Marvin Hughlett, Mr. E. S. Chapin, Mr. John W. Sterling, 
Col. Daniel Lamont, Gen. McClelland, Mr. James McCrea, 



-436 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Mr. Robert Xeilson, Capt. John P. Green, Mr. Joseph Wood, 
Mr. Charles Watts, Mr. J. Twing Brooks, Mr. J. M. Kimball, 
Capt. Orris A. Browne, Mr. John B. Larkin, Mr. F. F. 
Marshall, Hon. G. A. Allen, Maj. J. W. Reynolds, Hon. F. F. 
Adams, Mr. A. R. Lee, Mr. John W. Little, Mr. John Clem- 
ens, Hon. E. Camphausen, Hon. C. M. Reed, Col. J. Ross 
Thompson, Maj. John W. Walker, Hon. F. A. jNIizener, Mr. 
John R. Saltsman, Mr. C. F. Allis, and Mr. Robert J. Salts- 
man. 

The active pall-bearers were Capt. J. S. Richards, Mr. Henry 
Shannon, Mr. W. S. Brown, Mr. L. M. Little, Mr. M. H. 
Taylor, Hon. Joseph McCarter, Mr. W. Brewster, and Mr. F. 
B. Whipple. 

Col. J. Ross Thompson addressed the city councils after reso- 
lutions of respect had been passed for the loss of " Erie's fore- 
most citizen." 

The floral tributes were the finest ever seen in this section of 
the country and were mostly furnished by Thorley, of New 
York, who sent his representatives here to look after the 
tlowers. 

The emblems which came from Thorley's are as follows : 

A four-foot floral mat composed of lilies of the valley, pink 
roses, white roses, maiden hair ferns with a large white rib- 
bon bow, bearing the card, " From the surviving members of 
the firm." The casket cross of orchids and lilies of the val- 
ley with a lavender knot bearing the nam'e of Mr. John S. 
Richards. Flat bunch of American beauties with a bow knot 
of Avhite ribbon from Mr. John E. Payne. A large crescent 
and wreath of lilies of the valley, la France roses and Scotch 
heather, tied with lavender ribbon from the Second National 
Bank. 

Five Sago palms and violets tied with lavender ribbon from 
Hon. Joseph McCarter. A cross from Mr. and Mrs. Geylan, 
of Philadelphia. Large wreath of white roses from Maj. J. 
W. Walker. TAvelve loose bunches of flowers from Messrs. 
E. S. Chapin, J. W. Sterling and others of New York. 

Those from the Erie florists were a large sheaf of wheat 
with a ribbon bearing in gilt letters the legend : " Erie Dem- 
ocratic Society, We have lost the leader of Our County." A 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 437 

pillow froiu W. F. and F. M. Hayes, a crescent of white pinks 
and Marechal Niel roses from Mr. F. F. Marshall, a pair of 
palm leaves and bunch of white roses from Dr. and Mrs. C. 
U. Gravatt, U. 8. N., a wreath from Mr. H. C. Shannon, 
an anchor from the trestle employees, a lyre from the Erie 
Maennerchor, a harp from the Erie Liedertafel, a wreath from 
the Mueller Battery, afterwards known as Battery B. 

The Philadelphia & Erie Express brought the casket 
in which Hon. William L. Scott's remains will repose. The 
coffin, which is from an original design, required the united 
efTorts of the entire force of workmen of the undertaker to 
complete it in twelve hours. In the construction of it seventy- 
six pounds of solid silver were used, forty yards of broadcloth, 
about thirty pounds of silk, and ten pounds of eiderdown. 
The casket, which is made of Florida red cedar, has straight 
sides, and heavy fluted columns at the coi'ners. The entire 
casket, columns, molding, and all, is covei*ed with the heaviest 
gx'ade of fine black broadcloth, tightly stretched. Along the 
entire length of each side extend heavy bars of solid oxydized 
silver. Each one of these bars contains 28} j)ouuds of pure 
coin silver. At each end are shorter bars of the same material 
and design, each one weighing 9} pounds. The plate on top, 
which is also of solid silver, is handsomely engraved with the 
inscription : 



: Born July 2, 1828. '■ 

William L. Scott. 
: Died September 19, 1891. 
* * 

The casket is lined throughout with Bengaline silk. This 
material is draped with what is known to the professional 
undertaker as "artistic carelessness." The filling in and all 
the upholstering is eiderdown. 

Thousands of people who followed the remains of Erie's 
distinguished citizen to their last resting place looked 
for the first time with wonder upon the imposing edifice 
he had built for himself and family for their last sleep. 
The mausoleum, covering 1,000 square feet, rises majestic- 



438 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ally and stands fifty feet high. The beautiful Gothic 
structure has the form of a Greek cross and was en- 
tered from the east. The granite approaches from the east 
terminate in a poriico Avhich is supported by i^olished pil- 
lars. The ashlar faced Hallowell granite walls, supported by 
massive buttresses at the corners, rise to the height of seven- 
teen feet. The wings are finished in Gallic panels. The ex- 
terior above the buttresses shows a rise of receding granite 
slabs, one above another till they reach the dome of the 
mausoleum. This dome is of most exquisite design and on 
each side has two Gothic niches or windows with polished 
columns. The dome is in pyramidal shape, terminating in a 
purely-executed cross-shaped finial. The beautiful polished 
columns, 22 in number, about the base and at the top of the 
structure, with their composite capitals in darker granite than 
the main structure, give the edifice a grandeur that is strik- 
ing. At the entrance of the rotunda are two standard 
solid bronze doors. The rotunda, which is eleven feet square, 
has arranged on the right and left the catacombs, 24 in num- 
ber. At the west side over the altar there is an apsis of 
coloi'ed designs, and through these a soft light streams down 
upon the rotunda. Light also admitted from the dome or 
ventilator shows with fine effect the geometrical patterned 
marble floor. The walls and wainscot in Florentine, French, 
African, and native marble are strangely beautiful and artistic. 

Erie has palatial residences which merit particular descrip- 
tion, as those of Mrs. C. H. Strong, H. F. Watson, M. H. Taylor, 
H. Shenk, and more than twenty others. Its many business 
houses and societies must also be passed by for want of space. 

The ijleasure yacht Wodeiia of Cleveland called for a day at 
Erie, having crossed from Port Colborne on account of thick 
and heavy weather. The Wetland was passed on November 
21, 1892. During an absence of over a year the Wadena made 
a voyage of over 25,000 miles. After a winter spent in the 
Mediterranean, the Wadena left for the North Sea. While 
lying outside of Hammerfest harbor the partj^, at midnight on 
July 24, saw the setting sun skirt the horizon and begin to 
rise again. North Cape, the farthest point to the north, was 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 439 

reached on the following daj', and after a visit to the Holland 
fiord, with its famous black ice, 180 years old, Mr. Wade and 
his guests turned southward again, skirting Europe, and 
reaching Gibraltar on September 6. Returning across the 
Atlantic, Charleston, S. C, was the first United States port 
touched. This was on October 12, and on the 18th the yacht 
aiTived at Brooklyn. A week later she left for Cleveland. 
The trip was leisurely taken, stops being made at Halifax, 
Port Mulgrave, and Quebec — the latter port being reached on 
October 30. Other stops, generally over night, M'ere made at 
Charlotte, Valley Field, Cornwall, Lachine, Farran's Point, 
Morrisburg, and Odgensburg, the yacht being pontooned 
through the St. Lawrence canals. At Oswego, Fairhaven, and 
St Catherines, calls were made. The Wadena, the property of 
Com. Wade, of the Cleveland Yachting Club, is about the size 
of the pleasure yacht Mystio of this port. 

TJie Pittsburg Docks in Erie Harbor. — No. 1, the middle 
dock of the group, so called because first built, is 1,050 feet 
long, 190 feet wide, and Avas built in 1864 ; much of it has 
since been rebuilt, and the channel on each side deepened and 
vridened. 

No. 2 is the west dock, and second built (1868), with trestle 
and shutes to load soft coal. This practice was abandoned in 
1878, trestle and shute taken away, dock widened and ex- 
tended 500 feet, making its length 1,500 feet, and the width 
150 feet. This was in 1882. 

No. 3 is the shore dock, running between Nos. 1 and 4, and 
is 550 feet long by 250 wide, and was built in 1870. This has 
also been rebuilt, and the channel and basin dredged and 
deepened. 

No. 4, or what is called the Carnegie dock, was built in 1870 
and 1871 ; it is 1,100 feet long, and 350 feet wide. This, how- 
ever, is but one half the size which the Pennsylvania Com- 
pany intend to make this dock, as the original plan called for 
1,100 feet bj' 741 feet, and when there is a demand for the other 
half it probably will be built. 

Heavy Ore Shipments. — (1892) — "The work of shipping ore 
from the Carnegie docks in this city, which was almost sus- 
pended during the long strikes of the summer at the Carnegie 



440 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

mills, has been resumed. The daily shipments are about 100 
cars. Sometimes it is out of the question to get cars, and 
the shipments are then retarded. The force of men at work 
on the Carnegie docks is about eighty, and they will have 
work all winter, something rather unusual at the ore docks. 
The shipments from the Erie & Pittsburg docks are slow, and 
do not run over eight or ten cars a day. There are almost a 
million tons of ore on both docks at the present time, but it 
is the intention of the Carnegies to get their ore all off the 
docks before the opening of navigation. The new donkey 
hoists on the docks are a great assistance in the handling of 
ore, and make the work comparatively light. 

" The season of navigation, now about closed, has been one of 
the most notable in the history of this port. During the sea- 
son the officials of the Pennsylvania Railroad announced their 
intention of expending $2,000,000 in this cityln betterment of 
their tracks, yards, and dock facilities. An elevator for the 
receipt and shipment of grain was also promised. The com- 
pany did expend 8200,000 on the extension of the ore docks, 
and another §60,000 on the ore docks at the Philadelphia & 
Erie terminus. The fact that the company has, or is about to 
put up, double-track iron bridges over the western division of 
the Philadelphia & Erie, and is opening up and extending all 
its sidings, confirms the report that ere the close of another 
season the Philadelphia and Erie will have a complete double 
track. The yards at the lake front are being extended, and 
everything indicates good faith on the part of the Pennsyl- 
vania, and the fulfillment of the predictions of its officials. 

" The receipts of freight here during the season were 37,491 
tons, mostly from Chicago and Milwaukee. The receipts of 
corn were 5,595,740 bushels, 112 per cent more than last year. 
The receipts of wheat were 7,930,788 bushels— a slight falling 
off" from last year, but with that exception the largest ever 
received in Erie. The receipts of barley were 80,000 bushels, 
an increase of 60 per cent. The receipts of rye were 414,779 
bushels. The flour receipts reached the unj)recedented total of 
2,000,000 barrels, being more than double last year's, and 
largely from Duluth. Of flaxseed there were 314,640 bushels, 
and pig iron 3,940 tons, a slight falling off. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 441 

"The advent here of the Carnegies, who occupy the new 
clock built by the Pennsylvania Company at the Erie & Pitts- 
burg doclis, boomed ore receipts largely, and they reached 
6,404,434 tons, as against 394,347 tons last year. The receipts of 
lumber were 12,918,000 feet, 332 per cent heavier than last 
season. House-furnisliiug establishments received 4,850 tons, 
and building stone from Kelly's Island amounted to 1,023 tons. 
The copper receipts fell off to 7,704 tons, and plaster from 
Lake Superior to 1,784 tons. 

" Shipments were correspondingly heavy, as follows : 
Freight, mostly machinery, to Chicago, 110,592 tons ; hard 
coal, 378,067 ; soft coal, 103,693 ; brick, 220, and railway iron, 
400. There was an increase in foreign shipments from Canada 
this year in the matter of lumber, and it was for fine house- 
finishing woods. The imports of white pine were 1,395,087 
feet ; maple for veneering pianos and for house trimmings, 
9,405 feet; lath, 1,047,550; stave bolts for tobacco pails, 345 
cords." 

The Big Trestle of the Scott Coal Company. — The area 
covered is 220x400 feet, all under one roof, being the most com- 
plete concex'n of the kind in the country. The machinery is 
of new design and to be operated by electricity. Coal will be 
transferred at a cost below any price heretofore, and will 
not exceed l] cents per ton. The Nickel Plate and Lake Shore 
cars run into the yards, where thousands of tons of coal will 
be stored at all times, and the trestle is one of the largest in 
the United States. 

Erie's Coal Shipments (Dec, 1893). — " The last cargo of coal by 
lake has left this port for this season, being taken by the 
Schuylkill a few days ago. 

"The shipments of hard coal from this port this season 
were about 440,000 tons, and about 100,000 tons of soft coal, 
mostly for fuel in the early part of the season, and latterly 
for the Chicago markets. 

" The shipments of coal this season exceed those of last 
season, especially of soft coal, there being fully 50,000 tons 
shipped more than last year. 

" The new coal trestles at the junction of the Philadelphia 
& Erie and Lake Shore roads are now in very active use, 



442 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY, 

and the bard coal is being run in on the Philadelphia & 
Erie Railroad and transferred from the cars into the pockets, 
or into the general storage in the centre of the building. The 
pockets are so arranged that cars can be loaded directly from 
the pocket into the car, saving a great deal of handling by 
the automatic arrangement. 

" The rates for carrying coal this year have been very low. 
The running rates from this port were 60 cents on hard coal 
and from 35 to 40 cents on soft coal — that is to Chicago. The 
rates to Lake Superior have not been so high. Some coal has 
been carried to Duluth this season for 25 cents a ton, but that 
was mostly when the coal was wanted for ballast." 

Industrial. — November of 1891 the Metric Metal shops were 
opened, making a great addition to Erie's industries. Many 
car loads of machinery were transferred from the old plant at 
Beaver Falls, besides the new machinery from the E. W. Bliss 
Company, of New York. Twenty acres of ground had been 
purchased from Hon. C. M. Reed just outside of the eastern 
limits of the city. The factory is three stories high, in the 
shape of the letter L, being 201 feet along Ninth Street and 
210 feet along the eastern city limit. A switch from the Phil- 
adelphia & Erie will be run in along East Tenth Street until 
it clears the west part of the works, and thence northwest to 
near Ninth Street, where it will end. 

The company is putting in a sewer seven eighths of a mile in 
length on Payne Avenue from the shops lakeward, and laying 
pipes to a gas well about a mile distant which they purchased 
from Mr. Fleming to supply heat for soldering furnaces and 
light throughout the establishment. 

A new residence for the superintendent is under roof north 
of the buildings. The company opens up Ninth, Tenth, and 
Twelfth streets, with spills, or drainage, and Hess Avenue, 
parallel to Payne, is being worked into shape, as is Gilson 
Avenue still farther east, and real estate has greatly increased 
in value in the eastern part of the city. 

The company will manufacture meters for natural and illu- 
minating gas, iron for natural, and tin for illuminating. The 
shops will have a capacity of 250 meters a day. That will 
mean 250 workmen, for by calculation it takes a man to each 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 443 

meter. When running 135 men at Beaver Falls the average 
output was 135 meters a day. President, C N. Payne ; Superin- 
tendent, J. B. Wallace ; Secretary and Treasurer, F. H. Payne. 

Jan. 30, 1893, a great surprise greeted Erie people, the failure 
of the Car Works, throwing 300 men out of employment. After 
seven months the whistle was again heard — the Lake Shore 
road having leased the property for twenty years, with the 
prospect of purchasing them at that time. 

Erie Citj^'s five railroads are : Pittsburg, Shenango & Lake 
Erie ; Lake Shore & Michigan Southern ; New York, Chicago 
& St. Louis (commonly called the Nickel Plate) ; Philadelphia 
& Erie, and Erie & Pittsburg. At Union City we find the 
Philadelphia & Erie ; New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio, and 
Western New York & Pennsylvania. At Corry is the Western 
New York & Pennsylvania, formerly called the Oil Creek 
road ; the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio, and the Phila- 
delphia and Erie. 

Bituminous coal reaches the city at a low charge by way of 
the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio road from Mercer and 
Butler counties, and the Philadelphia & Erie gives it the 
benefit of competition in securing anthracite from the Eastern 
Pennsylvania fields. 

The Philadelphia & Erie and New York, Pennsylvania & 
Ohio Railroads both cross the township from Le Bceuf to Con- 
cord. A third railroad, the Union & Titusville, comes in from 
Crawford County and connects with the Philadelphia & Erie 
at Union City. 

It is confidently expected that motor cars will connect Edin- 
boro with Erie in the course of a few months. Maj. Hoyt and 
Mr. G. E. Ryckman, of Brocton, N. Y,, are said to have it in 
charge. 

(Season of 1893). The dockets at the Custom House show 
the following receipts from the coastwise trade : 

Wheat, bu 3,ft59,8.58 I Lath 405,000 

Corn, bu 6,030,347 I Limestone, cords 2,3fi2 

Rye, bu 191,100 Package freight, tons 20,94K 

Oats, bu 221,887 Copper, tons 1,169 

Barley, bu 15ti,6.56 shipments. 

Flour, tous 10o,5/l 

Flaxseed, bu 287,427 Hard coal, tons :i53,612 

Iron ore, tons 4f>9,278 Soft coal, tons 71,261 

Lumber, ft 8,562,000 Package freight, tons 45,9is 



444 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

There was a very heavy falling off in the receipts of package 
freight, which were 17,000 tons less than last season. 

The receipts of corn were 1,100,000 bushels more than last 
season. Wheat fell off 4,000,000 bushels ; barley receipts 
showed an increase of 700,000 bushels, or about fifty per cent. 
This was due to the excellent products of the Northern 
Minnesota and Dakota farms, which are just now springing 
into popularity on account of their choice barley. The rj'e re- 
ceipts fell off about 300,000 bushels. There were at least a 
million barrels less of flour received this fall, and the flaxseed 
fell off 30,000 bushels. 

The ore receipts were 150,000 tons less than in 1892 , lumber 
fell off 4,000,000 feet. The receipts of stone were double those 
of last season, owing to the extension of the north pier. The 
copper shipments came this way in smaller shipments by 400 
tons than in 1892. 

Despite the heavy shipments to Chicago early in the spring, 
the ijackage freight forwarded fell off 60,000 tons. The hard 
coal shipments fell off 30,000 tons, and the soft coal shipments 
increased 50,000 tons. 

It was observed in this connection, however, that the falling 
off in the lake trafltic was not as great as it was in other lines 
of business this year. 

A local paper has the following of country roads in the 
spring of 1893 : " If there is such a thing possible as the enact- 
ment of any law that will improve our main thoroughfares, it 
is to be hoped the next Legislature will do so, for the Buffalo 
road is almost impassible. This should not be so with this 
road in particular, as it is one of the very oldest in this end of 
the State, and one of the most traveled. It should have been 
macadamized long ago. Mr. Carl Walbridge, our efficient 
road commissioner, is doing all that the road funds on hand 
will permit, but we must have a law that furnishes more 
money and a different system of working the roads." 

"Good Roads," a matter of Finance" was decided by the 
bankers at the convention at Chicago. Consei'vative and re- 
liable statisticians estimate the cost of bad roads in this 
county at more than ?250,000,000. 

The First National Bank was organized in February, 1863, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 445 

with a capital of $150,000. J. C. Spencer, President ; M. San- 
ford, Cashier ; J. L. Sternberg, Teller. In February, 1883, the 
bank was reorganized for twenty years. Surplus fund §155,- 
000. Present officers are : President, William Spencer ; Vice- 
President, Hon. Charles M. Reed ; Cashier, J. L. Sternberg ; 
Directors, William Spencer, Charles M. Reed, M. Griswold, 
William E. Marvin, and J. L. Sternberg. '^ ' 

The Second National Bank was established i1^1864. Capital 
stock, $300,000 ; surplus, $200,000 ; undivided profits, $94,456. 
President, Joseph McCarter ; Cashier, C. F. Allis ; Assistant 
Cashier, W. M. Wallace ; Directors, Joseph McCarter, M. H. 
Taylor, D. D. Tracy, John W. Walker, J. S. Richards, VV. S. 
Brown, Charles H. Strong. The first officers of this bank 
were: President, William L. Scott; Vice-President, Joseph 
McCarter ; Cashier, W. C. Curry. 

The Keystone National Bank. Capital, $250,000. President, 
Matthew Griswold ; Vice-President, J. F. Downing ; Cashier, 
F. V. Kepler ; Assistant Cashier, F. M. Lamb ; Directors, J. 
F. Downing, Matthew Griswold, William E. Marvin, George 
T. Churchill, J. I. Town, F. V. Kepler, F. M. Lamb. 

The Marine National Bank. Capital, $150,000. President, 
F. F. Marshall ; Cashier, C. E. Gunnison ; Assistant Cashier, 
Harry Gunnison ; Directors, F. F. Marshall, H. Beckman, C. 
E. Gunnison, Harry Gunnison, John Clemens. 

The Erie Dime Savings and Loan Company. Cash capital 
paid in $150,000 ; surplus, $50,000 ; authorized capital $500,000. 
President, William A. Galbraith ; Vice-President, Hon. J. F. 
Downing ; Treasurer, F. F. Curtze ; Teller, F. H. Schutte ; 
Directors, Hon. William A. Galbraith, Hon. J. F. Downing, 
Hon. G. W. Starr, Benjamin Whitman, C. C. Shirk, Davis 
Rees, John W. Galbraith, Frank Fairbairn. 

According to statistics compiled by the Chicago Herald, the 
season just closed on the great lakes has been uncommonly 
disastrous. One hundred and twenty-three lives were lost, 
and fifty-three vessels, with an aggregate tonnage of 24,257, 
and valued at $1,040,400, passed out of existence, while partial 
losses by stranding, collision, and fire bring the total of losses 
up to $2,112,588. The greatest loss of life was on Lake Erie. 

Increased storage is required in Erie for grain and fruits of 



446 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the Northwest. Buffalo is amply provided and millions of 
bushels are sold in the West for delivery at that point. It is 
of the greatest importance that Philadelphia should have the 
benefit of the business done at Erie. The Reading system will 
soon put Philadelphia in possession of the completest facili- 
ties for dividing with the Erie Canal and the New York rail- 
ways the immense business in Buffalo, and bringing hither a 
part of the grain, ore, and lumber. There should be a share 
of Philadelphia business done through the splendid port of 
Erie, but there is not one tenth of the needed storage. 

December, 1893, application was made to the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas for the incorporation of a hospital, dispensary, and 
training school for nurses. The name of the corporation is to be 
"The Homeopathic Hospital and Dispensary Association of 
Erie," and its purposes are for the establishing and maintain- 
ing of a hospital, dispensary, and training school for nurses. 
The corporators are Drs. W. K. Cleveland, Edward Cranch, 
Herman C. Galster, J. Louis Ireland, John F. Flint, Josejjh E. 
Phillips, M. A. Wilson, J. C. M. Drake, H. E, Flint, and R. T. 
Marks, of Erie ; and H. L. Stem, of Union City, and W. S. Hub- 
bard, of Albion. The corporation is to be managed by a board 
of directors consisting of twelve members. The charter and 
certificate of incorporation were approved by the court, and 
the Homeopathic Hospital and Dispensary Association is now 
a matter of fact in organization, and will soon be in operation. 

Synopsis. — Some facts concerning Erie have been concisely 
stated as follows : Erie is built on a bluff overlooking the 
finest harbor and bay on the chain of lakes. It is one of the 
healthiest cities on the continent. Altitude, 800 feet. Cli- 
mate unsurpassed. Has 30 churches, 20 public schools, State 
Soldiers and Sailors' Home, 40 hotels, 6 banks, 5 daily papers, 
5 railroads, natural gas, electric light and power, 15 miles of 
paved streets, 27 miles of electric street railroad, water sys- 
system with 77 miles of mains. Home city in every sense of 
the word. Has most picturesque surroundings. Is a beautiful 
summer resort. Has j^retty parks. Land-locked bay, A\-^l\ 
miles in extent. Is in the midst of the great lake shore grape 
district, and profits by an immense lake trade in lumber, ore, 
coal, grain, etc. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 447 

Erie is a manufacturing city with 50,000 population. There 
are 200 manufactories, employing 8,000 men, with annual out- 
put of $18,000,000. Erie enjoys the proud reputation of mak- 
ing more boilers and engines than any city in the world ; has 
two large piano factories, immense paper mills, 47 iron and 
brass manufactories, brass works employing 1,000 men, 9 lum- 
ber yards and planing mills, 5 large flouring mills, freight car 
works, lake fishery with 26 steam and 16 sail boats. A State 
fish hatchery is located in Erie. Bicycles, brick, beer, brooms, 
barrels, baskets, brushes, car heaters, cements, chemicals, con- 
fectionery, electric motors, malt, pails, hollow ware, sleeve 
pulleys, rubber goods, pearl buttons, stoves, soap, spring beds, 
novelty show cases, meters and appliances, wringers, mouse 
traps, and matches, are manufactured and the industries are 
all prospering. 

The following Erie manufacturers received awards at the 
World's Fair on Thursday, October 12 : Ball Engine Com- 
pany, high speed, compound condensing engine ; Jarecki 
Manufacturing Company, Limited, exhibit of brass goods and 
iron fittings ; Stearns Manufacturing Company, automatic, 
high speed engine, Gill water tube boiler ; N. A. Watson, Ex- 
celsior boiler feeder. The newspaper of the day describes the 
first named as follows : " The Ball Engine Company has 
completed the giant 700-horse-power engine for the World's 
Fair. The engine will be one of eight, from different parts of 
the United States, which will furnish the motive power in 
machinery hall at the great Fair. All of these engines will be 
painted a pure white. The engine will attract considerable 
attention at the Fair." 

The Metric Metal Company has received an award at the 
World's Fair for spring scales. 

The highest honors were awai'ded the Colby Pianos, at the 
World's Columbian Exposition. 

Why he took the Confederate i^togr.— October 20, 1893. Maj. 
I. B. Brown, who took down the Confederate flag from the 
Southern locomotive " General," in the Transportation build, 
ing at the World's P"'air says : 

" I have no particular hostility to the men who carried the 
flag during the war, but why any one, twenty-eight years 



448 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

after the waivshould deliberately display a flag in the loyal 
State of Illinois, or, indeed, anywhere else, which never did 
and never can mean anything but treason, rebellion, and 
human slavery, I could no^ understand. I have learned since 
that it is claimed that the flag was simply hoisted as a relic. 
The story is hard to believe ; but even if there is any truth 
in it, we can get along without any exhibitions of such relics. 
There are enough Union soldiers with empty sleeves, wooden 
legs, crutches and broken constitutions to answer any reason- 
able demand for relics. I believe the flag was placed in posi- 
tion in defiance of the patriotic sentiment that ought to find 
a place in the heart of every loyal citizen, and such belief 
compelled me to take it down." 



INDEX. 



Abercrombie, 176. 

Academies, 153, 160, 210. 

Actual settlers, 275. 

Adams, 55, 289, 356, 395. 

Adair, 172. 

Adlum, 61, 62. 

Addison, 97. 

Adelphic Society, 1J5. 

Agassiz, 400. 

Agricultural societies, 137, 138. 

Alfred, 141. 

Allen, 387. 

Albion lodge, 189. 

Allis, C. F., 445. 

Algonquin, 15. 

Alvord, 207, 

Altliof, 265. 

" Amelia, ' 224. 

Amity township, 77. 

Amendment, 421. 

Angus, 221. 

Andrews, 266. 

Angevine, 304. 

Andastes, 16. 

Anti-abolition, 142. 

Appalachian, 259. 

Appropriations, 62, 113. 116. 

" Ariel," 233. 

Armour, 359. 

Arnold, 377. 

Argillaceous Schist, 206. 

Arbuckle, 166, 415. 

Artus, 293, 368. 

Arion musical, 146. 

Associate judges. 98. 

Ashtabula, 274. 

Asiatic cholera, 283. 

Atkinson. 414. 

Atiwandaronk, 15. 



Aull, 340. 
Austin, 163, 385. 
Average, 397. 
Avery, 369. 

Avicula Speciosa, 261. 
Ayers, 212. 
Ayres, 212. 
Baratoni, 353. 
Babeer, 33. 

Babbitt, 98, 140, 306, 399, 406. 
" Backbone," 268. 
Balmoral, 359. 
Badger, 188. 
Bancroft, 24, 137, 378. 
Baldwin, 172. 
Banks, 98, 445. 
Ball, 137. 
Baltimore, 56. 
Baruett, 137, 359. 
Bahia, 398. 
Bacon, 141. 
Bailey, 301. 
Baird, 400. 
Barry, 194, 205. 
Baker, 194, 408. 
Barclay, 232. 
Barger, 422. 
Barnhurst, 435. 
Barlow, 98. 
Barnes, 275. 
Baldwin, 352, 343,344. 
Barker, 140. 
Battles, 336. 
Beach, 81. 
Beaver, 99. 340. 
Bea.ent, 194. 
Bee be, 374. 
Belle Riviere, 30. 
Benedict, 416. 
449 



450 



INDEX. 



Bensoa, 163, 184, SOL 
Benze, 408. 
Becker, 356, 366. 
Bell, 98, 99, 332, 406. 
Berea, 327, 
Bernard, 246, 
Beath, 340. 
Berry, 344, 346. 
Biddle, 65. 
Biglow, 343. 
Bird, 246, 249. 
Bissel, 276. 
Black, 164, 306. 
Blaine, 140, 309, 356. 
Blackburn, 401. 
Blair, 290. 

Black Rock, 219, 221. 
Bliss, 312. 
Bolivar, 283. 
Bologna, 402. 
Booth, 266. 
Boquel, 48, 55, 309. 
Bothwick, 344. 
Boyd, 141, 164. 
Boyden, 163. 
Bowman, 176. 
Boyer's Bluff, 208. 
Boyer, 208. 
Brady, 353. 
Brandywine, 271. 
Braboeuf, 20. 
Brewster, 119 140. 
Brewer, 370. 
Bracken, 184. 
Brown University, 200. 
Broboa, 19. 
Brotherton, 108. 
Brindle, 137, 164. 
Britton, 435. 
Brandt, 70, 75. 
Brawley, 137, 140. 
Bradstreet, 54. 
Bradley, 164. 
Breckenridge, 97. 
Brainard, 416. 
Brevillier, 423. 
Bristol, 141. 
Bracken, 184. 
Bradford, 293. 



Bridgman, 328. 

Broas, 336. 

Brooks, 205, 225, 246, a36, 343, 396. 

Brandes, 334. 

Brown, 97, 140, 222, 309, 339, 343. 

Breyson, 343. 

Buckingham, 324. 

BuUus, 343. 

Butterfleld, 3:^7. 

Butler, 300, 367. 

Burgess, 176, 376. 

Bull, 48. 

Burinol, 45. 

Burlinghame, 158. 

Buehlcr, 92. 

Burnett, 210. 

Burchfleld, 99. 

Buchanan, 404. 

Buckbee, 416. 

Campbell, 335. 

Cadwell, 119. 

" Caledonia," 2:33, 249. 

Cascade, 224. 

Carnegie, 440. 

Cassawago, 70. 

Camp, 163, 169. 

Canal, 114. 

Carpenter, 164. 

Carr, 159. 

Carter, 332, 341. 

Carmarthan, 55. 

Carrier, 167, 186, 401. 

Canfield, 357. 

Canadohta, 375. 

Carstensen, 382. 

Carson, 184, 304, 399. 

Casey, 306. 

Caughey, 114, 163, 332. 

Cattaraugus, 219. 

Celeron, 29. 

Chadakoin, 33. 

Chambers, 208. 

Chambers Island, 208. 

Champlin, 219, 233, 343. 

Chamberlain, 81, 397. 

Chapin, 435, 436. 

Chase, 210. 

Chandler, 210. 

Chippeway, 225. 



INDEX. 



451 



Chicago, 211. 

Chauncey, 210, 218, 220, 221, 224, 226, 

343. 
Chapman, 343, 344, 410, 412. 
Chute, 158. 
Christie, 52. 
City Hall, 366. 
" Cisterns, Brolien," 206. 
Clark, 178, 246, 301, 329, 343, 393, 416. 
Clarke, 435. 
Cleveland, 406, 435. 
Claxton, 246. 
Clay, 230. 
Clinton, 31, 59. 
Clifford, 176. 
Cooper, 377, 416. 
Confederate flag, 447. 
Converse, 388. 
Courtrlght, 119, 406. 
Cory, 357. 
Corry, 358. 
Connely, 314. 
Cobham, 338. 
Coddington, 211. 
Colson, 173. 
Cochrane, 172. 
Cook, 312. 
Cole, 341. 
Colt, 22, 76, 107, 108, 113, 141, 165, 173, 

326. 
Colt's Station, 274. 
Coltron, 107, 
Congress, 246. 
Conklin, 237. 
Conneaut, 265. 
Conrad, 187. 
Conestagues, 16. 
Cone-in-Cone, 2(50. 
Coffin, 32. 

Courthouse bell, 290, 354. 
Corn planter, 61. 
Coxe, 342. 
Crane's Mills, 262. 
Cranch, 113. 
Crawford, 230, 306. 
" Crevecoeur," 26. 
Croghan, 30, 233. 
Crosby, 221. 
Crossman, 387. 



Curtin,334. 

Cushman, 343. 

Culbertson, 185, 305, 357, 431. 

Curry, 301. 

Cusic, 17. 

Cutler, 189. 

Dabney, 422. 

Daggett, 140. 

Dallas, 65. 

Day, 165. 

Day nursery, 425. 

Daniel, book of, 205. 

Darwin, 382. 

Davis, 246. 

Davison, 37, 163. 

Davenport, 422. 

Deacon, 250. 

Dean, 366. 

DeCamp, 3:31. 

DeLancy, 28. 

Dearborn, 224, 226. 

Dearborn, Fort, 372. 

Deman, 35. 

Denny, 68. 

DePuy, 382. 

DeWitt, 59, 386, 387, 415. 

Derrickson, 97. 

" Detroit," 233. 

Devereux, 165. 

Dexter, 250, 387. 

Devotion, Christian, 205. 

Dickey, 184, 1*5. 

Ditto, 398. 

Dinwiddle, 37. 

Dill, 363. 

Dickson, 385. 

Dixon, 324. 

Docks, 439. 

Doll, 369. 

Dodsworth, 434. 

Dobbins, 207, 208, 219, 221, 222, 2:36, 285, 

328. 
Douglas, 5:3. 382, 404. 
Downing, 416. 
Dodge, 422. 
Dreer, 38-5. 
Drake, 370. 
Drum, 114. 
Duncan, 272. 



452 



INDEX. 



Dunn, 290, 422. 

Dundass. 162. 

Dunlap, 137, 256, 380. 

DuQuesne, 28. 

Dutch, 22. 

Durlin, 164. 

Duluth, 322. 

Dunning, 421. 

Eagley, 165. 

Eagle Hotel, 288. 

Ealy, 422. 

Eaton, 141, 281, 371 

Ebersole, 138. 

Eckford, 222, 223, 246. 

Edgerton, 211. 

Eddy. 20, 27. 

Edwards, 421. 

Edmunds, 422. 

Eggleston, 435. 

Elliot, 140, 220, 221, 233. 

Ellicot, 59, 62, 77, 78, 381. 

Ellsworth, 422. 

Eleusis. 402. 

Ellis, 165. 

" Elmer, Ruth," 206. 

Ely, 171. 

Ensign, 172. 

Eries, 270. 

Erie Banli, 207, 

Erie Canal, 285. 

Erie & Northeast, 119. 

Erwin, 424. 

Espy, 422. 

Evans, 26, 374, 422. 

Everson, 422. 

" Exposition Flj'er." 352. 

Fay, 364. 

Fairplains, 265. 

Fairbanks, 85, 196. 

Farrar, 355. 

Ferguson, 165. 

Fetid, Bay of, 26. 

Fillmore, 211. 

Findley, 312. 

Finnis, 225. 

Fleeharty, 324, 346. 

Fleming, 292, 324. 

Flowers, 141, 422. 

Folwells, 276. 



Force, 383.^^ -— 

Forest, 240. 

Forster, 112, 222, 284. 

Foster, 162, 164. 

Fort George, 225, 248. 

Fowzier, 324. 

Prasier, 42. 

Frazier, 215. 

Franklin, 22. 

Frontinac, 17, 24, 26. 

Fronca, 265. 

Gale, 164. 

Gara, 334, 422. 

Garfield, 405. 

Gaines, 244. 

Galley, 164. 

Galbraith, 97, 140, 212, 213, 331, 355, 366, 

375. 
Garrison Hill, 246. 
Geylan, 436. 
Gerrish, 158. 
Geary, 163. 
Geodetic survey, 397. 
Genesee River, 260. 
Gest, 385. 
Gibson, 67, 334. 
Gilbert, 24. 
Gillis, 343. 
Gillespie, 413. 
Gilson, 288, 300. 
Glass, 186. 
Glover, 184. 
Glazier, 348. 
Glenwood Park, 374. 
Gordon, 54. 
Gobin, 340. 
" Good Luck," 291. 
Gould, 141, 163, 165. 
Green, 372. 
Greenwood, 152. 
Grant, 404, 406. 
Graham, 58, 332. 
Gregory, 172, 389. 
Greeley, 404. 
Grapes, 359. 
Grubb, 83, 276. 
Greer, 140, 187. 
Griffith, 140. 
Guenther, 367. 



453 



Gunnison, 97, 164. 

Hackney, 108. 

Hall, im, 187, 283. 

Hagstrom, 409. 

Hamilton, 36, 222. 

Hayden, 409. 

Hamot, 140, 206, 207, 285. 

Hancock, 338. 

Hamburg, 20. 

Hammond, 3.56, 410. 

Halderman, 336. 

Hambleton, 233. 

Hamtranck, 276. 

Harrison, 226, 310, 404. 

Hartstown, 268. 

Harrington, 323. 

Hart, 189. 

Harvey, 52. 

Harris, 176. 

Haslett, 407. 

Hastings, 164. 

Hanley, 346. 

Hatton, 141. 

Hart & Bird, 287. 

Hay ward, 343. 

Hays, 284. 

Hayes, a57, 406. 

Hazelton, 140. 

Hearn, 114. 

Heaton, 140. 

Heath, 186. 

ifelm, 343. 

Henry, 49. 

Herrington, 112. 

Herron, 108, 309, 387. 

Himrod, 140. 

Homeopathic Hospital, 446. 

Holland, a5, 59. . 

Holland purchase, 84. 

Hooker, 338. 

Howard, 315, 326. 

Holmes, 228. 

Hopson, 387. 

Holdup, 230, 250. 

Holliday, 164. 

Homans, 289. 

Home of the Friendless, 428. 

Honeoye, 271. 

Hoyt, 443. 



Horton, 324. 

Hoskinson, 324. 

Hulbert, 141. 

Huske, 435. 

Hudson's Bay, 29. 

Hughlett, 435. 

Hunter, 225, 288, 342. 

Hurd, 165. 

Humphrey, 357. 

Huntington, 164. 

Hunt, 415. 

Hutchins, 163, 184. 

Humane Society, 424. 

Huntsburger, 324. 

Indian Mound, 22. 

IngersoU, 26, 318, 424. 

Iroquois, 15, 271. 

Irvine, 60, 276, 387. 

Irwin, 196. 

Jackson, 326. 

James 2, 52. 

Jay, 89. 

Jeflferson, 368. 

Jeffers, 67, 391. 

Jebb, 3a3. 

"Jones," 234. 

Jones, 187, 189, 219, 324, 356, 422. 

Johnson, 21, 43, 97, 186. 

Johnson's Island, 342. 

Judson, 88, 141. 

Jolls, 288. 

Jouett, 343. 

Joliet, 21. 

Jean Cceur, 31. 

" Kalorama," 406. 

Kautz, 343. 

Kans wans, 271. 

Kelso, 399. 

Kelsey. 421. 

Kelley, 140. 

Kelly, 284. 

Kellogg, 141, 189. 

Kennedy, 84. 

Kern, 408. 

Kewenaw, 322. 

Kincaid, 184. 

Kidder, 191. 

Kirtland, 108. 

King, 288, 332, 359. 



454 



Knox, 70, 97, 266. 
Kohler, 345. 
La Force, 40. 
Lady Prevost, 225. 
LaFayette, 28:3. 
LaVasseur, 282. 
Laninan, 343. 
Lane, 332. 
Laird, 323. 
Ladies' appeal, 418. 
Lake Pleasant, 317. 
Laub, 246. 
Laughlin, 188. 
Lawrence, 231, 233, 239. 
Lawson, 293. 
Leech, 379. 
Leet, 137, 363. 
Lee, 31. 

Lee's Run, 223. 
Le Moyne, 16, 17. 
Lennon, 334. 
Leusclien, 334, 346. 
Leulje, 332. 
Lesley, 375. 
Lewis, 97, 389, 422. 
Lincoln, 335. 
Liddell, 117, 299. 
Lindsay, 32, 359. 
" Little Belt," 225. 
Limber, 164. 
Liszt, 388. 
Little, 435. 
Livingston, 163. 
Livsey, 340. 
Long Point, 228, 232. 
Long, 281. 
Longstreet, 419. 
Loop, 421. 
Logstown, 32. 
Loomis, 140, 187. 
Lossing, 381. 
" London Field," 401. 
Logan, 306. 
Lowry, 97, 332. 
Louis XrV., 24. 
Luce, 357. 
Luccock, 421. 
Lull, 340. 
Lyman, 276. 



Lyon, 141, 406. 
Lytle, 184. 
Lockwood, 164. 
Laubender, 421. 
Mackenzie, 376. 
Macklin, 335. 
Marshall, 303, 374. 
Maher, 326. 
Magill, 421. 
Mansion House, 287. 
Madison, 214, 234, 238. 
Machault Ft., 44. 
Maiden, 236. 
Marlin, 108. 
Marshall, 114. 
Marsh Run, 265. 
Mason, 218. 
Marion, O., 290. 
Marks, 112. 
Marsh, 163, 422. 
Marvin, 140, 421. 
Mason & Dixon, 58. 
Matlack, 61. 
Mavada, 306. 
Malick, 186. 
Mallory, 422. 
Manross, 422. 
:siathews, 141, 184. 
" May Flower," 282. 
McAlUster, 114. 
McBlair, 343. 
McCray, 68. 
McCall, 276. 
McCarter, 356. 
McClelland, 114. 
McClure, 189. 
McConnell, 186. 
McClay, 61. 
McCaskey, 141. 
McConkey, 92. 
McCullough, 78. 
McCurdy, 167. 
McCord, 137, 141, 172. 
McClay, 299 
McCord, 306. 
McCreary, m). 
McCrea, 315. 
McClellan, 337. 
McDonald, 233. 



INDEX. 



455 



McKenzie, 217 238. 
McKinney, 141, 323. 
McLane, 332, 334. 
McMillan, 1P7. 
McMullen, 3"4. 
McMaster, 3S5. 
McISair, 107. 
JNIcPherrin, 168. 
McSparren, 265. 
Metze-Qberg, 293. 
Meto-alf, 297. 
Mesraick, 176. 
Mejrshom, 165. 
Mefrrinian, 163. 
M^Hcalf, 114. 
JVitead, 219, 223, 230, 248. 
'oleade, 2-54. 
tMeigs, Ft., 228. 
^ Mehl, 331. 
Mississaques, 17. 
Mlddleton, 262. 
Miles, 61, 108, 249, 297, 334, 379. 
Miller, 163, 194, 422. 
Mills, 413. 
Mifflin, 65. 
Mitchell, 283, 422. 
Missimei', 415. 
Mizener, 3.56. 
Mohawks, 270. 
Moliawk, 16. 
Morgan 163. 
Morhart, 408. 
Moore, 97, 284, 421. 
Montour, 36. 
Moravian Quarry, 262. 
Montgomery, 2:^3. 
Moorhead, 281, 386. 
Munn, 422. 
Mueller, 332, .335. 
Muli,lenberg, 300. 
Muzzy, 324. 
Nagle, 343. 
■ Navy yard, 223. 
Naj'lor, 206. 
Noble, 3;55. 
Normal school, 185. 
Norton, 194. 
Nesbitt, 340. 
Neilson, a52. 



Neutral, 15. 
Niagara, 231. 
Niagara Falls, 249. 
Nichols, 163. 
Nicholson, 64, 343. 
Niles, 340. 
Oaks, 196. 
Oak Hill, 369. 
O'Beil, 73. 
O'Brien, 340, 374. 
O'Hara, 109. 
Ohio, 233. 
Oliver, 290, 312. 
Olmstead, 164. 269, 272. 
Oneldas, 270. 
Onondagos, 270. 
Ore, 439. 

Ormsby, 206. 

Orton, 178. 

Orr, 163. 

Osborne, 3-54. 

Osgood, 290. 

Packer, 97. 

Paddock, 184. 

Page, 193, 292. 

Parsons, 236, 292, 377. 

Parker, 178, 293. 

Parkman, 26, 50. 

Park, 163, 164. . 

Parkinson, 401. 

Partridge, 186. 

Pamphlet laws, 230. 

Patriot war, 289. 

Pattison, 340, 435. 

Patterson, 164, 165, 421. 

Paxson, 403. 

Payne, 368, 436, 443. 

Pease, 421. 

Pearce, 250. 

Penn, 56. 

Peon,a5. 

Perkins, 194, 402. 

Penrod, 321. 

Penikese, 400. 

Pelton, 422. 

Petroleum, 265, 389. 

Pennypacker, 38-5. 
I Pepper, 38.5. 
Perry, 223, 224, 225, 226, 233. 



456 



Perry Square, 284, 

Peter, 290. 

Pettibone, 422. 

Pettigru, 219. 

Peters, 26. 

Petuns, 15. 

Phelps & Gorham, 60. 

" Philo Parsons," 341. 

Phillips, 141, a59. 

Philippe, Louis, 76. 

Pioneers, 290. 

Pierson, 413. 

Pickering, 75. 

Picken's Fort, 383. 

Pierce, 421. 

Port Dover, 232. 

Porter, 141, 164. 

" Porcupine," 2:33, 247, 249. 

Pollock, 3S7, 421. 

Potts, 3.52, 3a5. 

Power, 72, 113. 

Powers, 107. 

Prentice, 140. 

Proctor, 244. 

Provincial marine, 225. 

Pratt, 416. 

Polhemus, 68, 72. 

Pontiac, 50. 

Prizes, 238. 

Proudflt, 422. 

Put-in-Bay, 236, 238. 

Pymatuning. 264. 

Rawle, 329. 

Range, 422. 

Ransom, 67. 

Reed, 85, 114, 140, 163, 187,326, 329, 422. 

Redway, 306. 

Reane, 422. 

Rees, 80, 92, 107, 344. 

Reid, 141, 164, 173. 

Redstone, 163. , 

Reynolds, 38, 339, 385. 

Riddle, 309. 

Rice, 327. 

Riordy, ;>56, 

Roberts, 114, a34. 

Rockwell, 163, 421. 

Robinson, 306, 309. 

Robertson, 165. 



Rosengarten, 59. 

Rogers, 264. 

Runyon, 422. 

Ryan, 410, 422. 

Russel, 422. 

.Rush, 253. 

Rutledge, 76, 84. 

Sackett's Harbor, 219, 223, '2::>S. 

Salts man, 424. 

Salina, 207. 

Saley, 186. 

Sands, 374. 

Sandusky, 20. 

Sanford, 141, 211, 271, 284, 301, 406. 

Saracenia, 269. 

Sargeant, 292. 

Satanas, 235. 

Satterfleld, 164. 

Savage, 165. 

Saxton, 60. 

Schoolcraft, 21. 

Schaeffer, 416. 

Scorpion, 233. 

Scouler, 23, 140, 363. 

Schenck, 304. 

Schlaudecker, 333, 338. 

Schultz, 374. 

Scott, 114, 140, 397, 405, 406, 437. 

Seattle, 361. 

Seabury, 217. 

Sears, 163. 

Selden, 141, 329, 406. 

Senecas, 24. 

Senat, 233. 

Seward, 404. 

Shannon, 367. 

Shadach, 140. 

Shaonons, 15. 

Sheffield, 165. 

Shenk, 438. 

Sherwin, 329. 

Shippen, 97. 

Shingowank, 21. 

Shirk, 407. 

Shirley, 28. 

Shunpike, 107. 

Sieur-de-la Salle, 24. 

Sill, 208, 209, 211, 3;B5. 

Silliman, 186, 370. 



INDEX. 



457 



Silverthorii, 188. 

Simms, 141. 

Simcoe, 87. 

Sinclair, 206. 

Sisson, 383. 

Slemmer, 383. 

Sloan, 329. 

Smith, 184, 262, 35, 387. 

Smedley, 140, 172. 

8nowdon, 403. 

Society Natural History, 212. 

Societies, 429, 430. 

Spafford, 140. 

Spencer, 137, 140, 141, 352, 383, 392, 406. 

Spalding, 392. 

Spohr, 388. 

Sterrett, 22, 422. 

Stetson, 363. 

Stafford, 343. 

Standard Dictionarj', 401. 

Storage, 445. 

Starr, 163, SJO. 

Stevens, 3:32. 

Stewart, 163, 186, 281, 304, 340, 406. 

Stephens, 294. 

Stone, 178, 292. 

Stony Point, 271. 

Stockman, 320. 

Sterling, 436. 

Stranahan, 265. 

Strong, 76, 82, 141, 438. 

Stuckenberg, 339. 

Stumptown, 248. 

Sturgeon, 193, 422. 

St. Vincent, 428. 

Superior, 322. 

Sumner, 406. 

Sunbury, 116. 

Sutter, 324. 

Sweet, 416. 

Swatara, 306. 

Symonds, 343. 

Synopsis, 446. 

Talmage, 290. 

Talmon, 292. 

Tate, 168. 

Taylor, 211, 219, 223, 238, 438. 

Te Deum, 2.5. 

Tin-ton-ha, 25. 



Teller, 165, 

Thoms, 422. 

Thompson, 97, 116, 403. 

Thomas, 165. 

Thorpe, 370, 384. 

Thorley, 436. 

" Tigress," 233. 

Titus, 288. 

Toledo, 253. 

Tor-a-da-koin, .30. 

Tourgee, 391. 

Totten, 246, 

•' Trippe," 233. 

Tracy, 114, 187, 290, 405. 

Trestle, 441. 

Triangle, 91, 274. 

Trade, Board of, 212. 

Tuttle, 165, 391. 

Tucker, 292. 

Tu-shu-way, 270, 272. 

Turner, 237. 

Tuscarora, 17. 

Tyler, 352. 

Tyson, 340. 

Vanderslice, 340. 

Van Tickler, 72. 

Van Braem, 37. 

Vance, 281. 

Viers, 380. 

Vincent, 97, 108, 113, 184, 332, 334, 337. 

Vorse, 158. 

Wade, 422. 

Wallace, 272, 386, 406. 

Walker, 27, 284, 304, 331, 335, 406, 436. 

Wadena, 438. 

Walling, 383. 

Walbridge, 444. 

Watts, 113, 186, 312. 

Watson, 184, 370, 375. 

Waterford, 22. 

Washington's visit, 29. 

Waters, 176. 

Walter, 102. 

Way, 141. 

Wayne, 90, 113, 186, 271, 272. 

Wagner, 340. 

Warner, 165, 422. 

Wanever, 140. 

Warren, 422. 



458 



Ware 422. 

Weller, 406. 

Weis, 481. 

Weeks, 422. 

West Branch, 317. 

Wetmore, 97, 294. 

West, 297. 

Weather, 373. 

AVebster, 140, 165, 422. 

Wells, 188, 422. 

Weiser, 31. 

Williams, 421. 

Whittle, 411. 

Whitman, 329, 342, 346. 

Wilson, 205, 206, 312, 407, 422. 

Wingate, 343. 

Wilcox, 431. 

Wing, 421. 

Wilkinson, 280. 

Wilkins, 65, 69. 

Wise, 281. 



Wick, 164, 
Wood, 162, 163, 164. 
Woods, 368. 
Woodruff, 163, 213. 
Woolley, 223. 
Wintergreen Gulch, 317. 
Woodward, 97. 
"Wocoken,"323. 
Woman's Work, 422. 
W. C. T. U., 419, 421. 
Wright, 343, 406. 
White, 875. 
World's Fair, 447. 
Wyandots, 15, 17, 21. 
Wyoming, 403. 
Yates, 97. 
Yarnall, 290. 
Yagowanea, 18. 
Zimmerman, 23. 
Zenobia, 17. 
Ziegler> 42?. 



INDEX. 457 

A 

Acts, 76, 77. Adams, 424 Addison, 97 Aquia Creek, 338 Allen, 344, 352, 436 
Albert, 197, 460 Adkins, 417 Allis, 436 Arbuckle, 460 Alderman, 422 Atchison, 

104 Austin, 136 

B 

Barton, 200. Bacon, 323 Barnum, 148 Baldwin, 344, 352 Battles, 431 Baggs, 
82 Barr, 104 Babbitt, 418 Beckman, 136 Bell, 430, 424 Berry, 426 Beebe, 148, 

105 Berst, 421 Beach, 81 Benson, 149 Blaine, 309 Black, 352 Blackroan, 197 
Bliss, 442, 382, 460 Brewster, 418 Bone, 336 Boney, 198 Boyne, 436 Booth, 422 
Boyd, 426 Boquet, 309 Brown well, 292 Browne, 436 Brown, 407, 447, 429 
Briggs, 419, 421 Breevort, 224 Brady, 106 Bradford, 293 Brandes, 133 Butter- 
field, 337 Buchanan, 148 Burgesses (Erie), ros 

c 

Cassey, 121. Catlin, 149 Camphausen, 436 Camp, 418 Campbell, 335 
Canasaraga, 197 Canawagas, 85 Calhoun, 204 Cameron, 133 Carpenter, 148, 
204 Carr, 275 Caughey, 422 Carter, 325, 418 Cain, 410 Caviare, 324 Chapin, 70 
Chapman, 412, 413, 343, 344 Chamberlain, 398 Colegrove, 422 Constable, 135 
Chicago, 372 Churchill, 424, 445 Cochran, 148 Conrad, 422 Colt, 106, 418 
Compton, 146 Confederate Flag, 447 Clark, 417, 431 Conneought, 296 Cody 430 
Cleaveland, 422 Cobham, 338 Cooper, 215 Cook, 311 Clute, 150 Cleveland, 
446 Cornplanter, 75 Clemens, 445 Crouch, 104 Curtis, 197 Curtze, 445 Cur- 
tin, 334 Curran, 135 

D 

Dash, 324. Davenport, 418, 427 Danforfh, 197 Davie, 430 Dearborn Ft. 
226 DeWitt, 426 Denny, 70, 66 Derby, 418 Dick, 204 Deacon, 275 Doll, 430 
Dobbins, 328, 418 Douglass, 347 Diffenbaugh, 418 Downing, 429, 430 Dodge, 
133 Duggen, 143 Dwinnell, 135 Dunn, 134, 434, 422, 418 Dunning, 421, 429 

E 

Ely, 431. Eddy, 418, 426 EUicott, 72 Eakens, 134 

F 

Farrar, 106. Faulkner, 417 Fellows, 427 Finnis, 243 Findley, 312 Fleeharty, 
324 Fleming, 332 Flower, 422 Floods, 433 Findley, 312 Flint, 446 Foster, 418 
Forster, 406 Follensbee, 295 Franklin, 384, 386, 391, 428 Franklin Ft., 69 
French, 422 Frazier, 215, 422 Frisbee, 422 Furhman, 422 Fullerton, 401 

c 

Garrison Hill, 83. Gara, 429 Gaggin, loi Garland, 243 Gaither, 421 Gallo- 
way, 204 Gallagher, 106 Galliard, 422 Galloway, 204 G*lbraith, 418, 430 Gil>- 
bons, 410 Gilson, 417 Gilkerson, 306 Gillen, 418 Gingrich, 394 Gorham, 197 
Glezen, 421 Goodrich, 149 Goodwin, 105,96 460 "Good Roads,"' 444 "Gerry 
mander," 98 Griswold, 430, 445 Grant, 124, 133 Gravatt, 437 Graham, 417 
Grimier, 421 Guttenberg, 401 Gridley, 430 Gunnison, 418 Grawoz, 135 
Guild, 133 

H 

Hay, 105, ro6, 134. Hayes, 105 Hayford, 421 Harmer Ft., 75 Hamilton, 
312 Hancock, 338 Haverstick, 418 Hannah, 418 Hammond, 106 Hambletoni 



458 INDEX. 

240 243 Harrison, 228 Harvey, 148 Hayden, 424 Harrington, 323 Hershey, 
432 Henry, 104 Heath, 81 Heberla, 433 Higgins, 421 Himrod, 418 Hoskin- 
son, 324 Homeopathic H., 446 Howell, 135 Holdup, 230 Holburt, 203 Hors- 
ley, 200 Holmes, 201, 228 Howard, 314, 328 Hubley, 418 Hubble, 421 Hut- 
chinson, 136 Hulbert, 418, 135 

Ireland, 446. IngersoU, 400, 401, 418 Irish, 418 Irwin, 135 

J 

Jarecki, 430. Johnstone, 85 Johnson's Island, 336 Judson, 309, 310 Junkin, 
204 Judd, 275 

K 

Kelley, 105. Kennedy, 313, 418 Kerr, 204 Kepler, 445 Keefer, loi Kitelinger, 
182 Kibler, 431 Kochne, 408 Knapp, 327 Knox, 106 Kellogg, 418 

L 

Laird, 106. Lacock, 98 Lamont, 435 Lakes, 375 Larkin, 436 Lattimore> 
13s Lawson, 293 Lee, 337 Liedertafel. 337 Lewis, 149 Lennon, 333 Lind* 
204 LeBoeuf, 46, 69, 309 Littel, 427 Little, 427, 436 Logan, 431, Low, 418 
Lowry, 429 Lowrie, 97 Lick, 150 Lynn, 149 Lyman, 418. 

M 

Marlin, 98. Maennerchor, 436 Machaiilt Ft., 38, 44 Martin, 395, 446 Mar- 
shall, 445 Mason, 429 Massassauga, 323 Mead, 205 Metcalf, 133 May, 441 
Manning, 196 Moorhead, 309 Moore, 105, 149, 418 Morris, 105 Moeser, 149 
Montgomery, 233 Morang, 33 Macklin, 335 Marine Hospital, 305 Mills, 309 
Miles, 311 Muller, 410 Murphy, 413 Mizener, 427 Middaugh, 85 McLane, 
333 McCrea, 312 McClure, 122 McCreary, 338 McClelland, 337, 435 McKin- 
ney, 173 McSparren, 204 McCarter, 106, 445 McCracken, 418 

N 

Neilson, 436. Newbegin, 415 Nickle, 422 Nicholson, 104 

o 

Oneida Castle, 197. Ocracock, 197 O'Beil, 69, 75 Opera House, 133 Ottin- 
ger. 327, 295, 418 Olds, 105 Otis, 418 

P 
Parsons, 379. Parker, 203 Perley, 100, 149 Pelton, 426 Pepperell, 201 Pe- 
troleum (Seneca Oil) (Kerosene) 372 Perry, 378, 380 Pike's Peak, 373 Pierce, 
133 Polemus, 68 Pike Pond, 324 Potts, 352 Powell, 335 Price, 435 Pressley, 
408 Presquile, 34 Puget Sound 347 

R 

R'id, 141. 204. Rees, 445 Reeder, 312 Reynolds, 352 Riblet, 432 Richmond, 
12! Rillirg, 415 Rine, 410 Rice, 332 Richards, 327, 347 Roberts, 333 Rock- 
well, 431 Robinson, 204 Rossiter, 431 Ross, 422 Rough, 124 Ryckman, 443 

s 

Sanf rd 422, 424. 427 Salisbury, 422 Schutte, 445, Scott, 135 Schenk, 304 
Schmler Ft.,197 Stlden, 330 Seymour, 418 Seward, 404 Seigel,i33 Sill, 460 Sloan 
329, 330 Slemmer, 383 Smith, 35, 182, 184, 262, 387, 431, 418 Smedley, 140, 17a 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 312 675 4 



